Just got this e-mail press release which may be of wider interest:
BOTHY BALLAD TO PUNK ROCK

UNIQUE POLITICAL SONG CENTRE ANNOUNCED GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY TUESDAY 23 JANUARY 2001 – 10.30am

The world's first Centre dedicated to Political Song - containing a wide range of unique and valuable exhibits, including 45's, tapes, CD's and lyric sheets – is to be located at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Material dating as far back as the 19th Century, and crossing the whole political spectrum from left to right - political rally to street demonstration, pantomime, folk club and opera - has been donated by former Labour MEP Janey Buchan. The subsequent purchase of other material from all over the world has provided a collection of extreme historical and political significance for researchers and interested parties world-wide. The collection will be located within the library, forming an integral part of the University's special collections and archives.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, Dr Ian Johnston said today: -

" Songs, anthems and even operas have been used as political tools throughout the ages – Japanese companies use them to motivate employees. Song are therefore a fascinating and legitimate area of academic study, and we are delighted to host this world class centre at Glasgow Caledonian."
RtS