Dougie MacLean

Dougie MacLean, OBE (born 27 September 1954) is a Scottish singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. Described by AllMusic as “one of Scotland’s premier singer-songwriters”, MacLean has performed both under his own name, and as part of multiple folk bands, since the mid 1970s. His most famous pieces include “Caledonia”, which is often dubbed Scotland’s “unofficial national anthem”; and “The Gael”, which became the main theme to the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans. MacLean’s songs have been covered by numerous popular artists. Aside from his career as a touring singer-songwriter, MacLean founded the Dunkeld Records label and recording studio with his wife Jennifer in 1983. Origins and early work MacLean grew up in the Perthshire countryside, where his father was a gardener. His mother played melodeon, and his father played the fiddle. To support himself in the 1970s, MacLean was a driver for Doc Watson and Merle Watson during their tour around Europe. He maintained a friendship afterward and has appeared at Merlefest. In 1976, MacLean began touring with Scottish folk band The Tannahill Weavers, with whom he also participated in a studio recording. I