Watch out, Becky - Hamish's mistress (or rather, as he used to say, his long-term partner) has been known to lurk in this thread! (You still there, Muriel???)
Actually, as far as I know 'Black is the Colour' is far older than Hamish but he did make it popular in Britain, and many people will associate the song with him.
Hope I haven't scared you off the Mudcat, Becky! - Susanne