Proms prompt Lauder revival

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra in rehearsal

Scottish music hall legend Sir Harry Lauder is set for a revival at the Scottish Proms.

The late entertainer's work found itself back in the spotlight as the programme for this year's season of shows was announced.

The annual event seeks to bring classical music to a new audience north of the border.

And this year that effort will include a tribute to the work of the legendary Scottish entertainer.

Sir Harry Lauder's songs will be celebrated

The London Proms at the Albert Hall has been running for more than a century, but Scotland has also staged its own event for more than 50 years.

Details of this year's Scottish programme, which is performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, were announced on Wednesday.

The RSNO ScottishPower Proms will feature 90 top-class musicians performing for 36 hours during 24 concerts.

The event will take place at venues across Scotland during June, starting in Aberdeen and ending its run at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Centre stage

Instead, music lovers can expect the strains of Auld Lang Syne - and the revival of Sir Harry's songs - at the closing concert.

Tenor Jamie MacDougall will take centre stage to perform Sir Harry's songs at the last night of the proms.

"This isn't classical, but it is certainly classic. It is classic Scottish music hall from a great time, a great era," he said.

Jamie MacDougall is a fan of Sir Harry's songs

"But the songs are still very much alive and people have to hear them."

Mr MacDougall said he rediscovered Sir Harry's music when he took his Mexican wife to see Jimmy Logan's stage show version.

"She had never heard of Lauder, but she loved the songs and the life he had. It is a great story.

"I thought this was fantastic. It breaks down all sorts of barriers and people think these songs are great."

Other events during the series, which will also visit Dundee and Edinburgh, include a schools prom, music from the movies and classic Russian and romantic music.