RAPID LINK TO "THE MAN"

Alan is a keen amateur guitarist, singer and songwriter in a number of contexts. He sings and plays solo and with Herken. Alan was for many years a member of "Rock the Boat" - a Christian rock band, eventually defeated by the constraints of its busy members' diaries! Rock the Boat made 2 albums and has left a legacy of songs that are still sung.

Alan runs Penicuik Folk Club and Festival with Paul and others. He continues to write Christian songs with writing partner Tony Bramley, as well as secular songs. His anthem to realistic Scottishness, "Call it Alba" has become something of a childrens' school anthem in parts of Midlothian, while "Another Clearing Time" and "No-One left but Me" have been recorded by folkies Stravaig and The McCalmans, respectively. Alan's "cycle" of songs and tunes, written by Alan, Paul and Tony called "The Man" has been presented several times since its first appearance on the Edinburgh Fringe in 1993. "The Man" tells the story of The Man Jesus - from manger to cross and beyond.

Alan also maintains a Web page for his favourite guitar-maker, Ralph Bown, although the information is rudimentary.