The Lea Rig. C.D. (click on music for sound samples)

Born in Ayrshire, the home county of Robert Burns, Hector has a lifelong interest in the works of the Bard. This C.D. is a includes some of Burn’s original works, together with ballads, which he improved and worked on for publication. Typical examples of this latter form, is the song sung here by Liz,”The Plooman” and by Hector, “Westlin Winds”, originally  entitled “Composed in August” The late Bill Eddie, a noted Celtic style fiddle player, originally from Aberdeenshire and latterly Hampshire, includes an example of the original air to which the poem “A Red  Red  Rose” was set by Burns. Some of these fiddle tunes proved difficult to sing , resulting over the years, in the composition of number of new melodies, of which the popular tune  is an example.

Since the 60’s when performing in Folk Clubs, Hector has always included some of Burn’s works. Today the invaluable contribution which Burns made towards the preservation of Scottish ballads, has been recognised by most Folk performers resulting in many new recordings and arrangements of the poetry and songs of Scotlands National Bard.