Colin Campbell and his Highland Band

Colin Campbell And His Highland Band were one of the top bands in Scotland through the mid 1960s to the 1980s. They had a unique sound coupled with superb arrangements and with a distinctive west coast swing. Splendidly dressed in Ancient Campbell tartan jackets, they were immensely popular during their professional career. They released several Albums, EPs, Singles and Cassette Tapes for both the Beltona/Decca and Lismor Recording Companies.

Career

They were undoubtedly the farthest travelled and hardest working band of their era, and played all over the UK performing for Shows and Dances from Lewis to London. Various venues included village halls, hotels, and theatres. Highlights of a two-week English tour included an ear-splitting reception at The Royal Albert Hall and The Festival Hall in London.

Colin Campbell And His Highland Band represented Scotland at the Welsh Eisteddfod for two years running playing with Alasdair Gillies, Jimmy Shand, Edinburgh City Pipe Band, The Corries and many others.

Colin and the Highland Band accompanied Alasdair Gillies in over sixty programmes with Scottish Television in the early seventies called "Alasdair Sings" and on many tours. Colin also worked with many other leading Gaelic singers including Donald Macrae, Calum Kennedy and Norman Maclean.

Colin was also invited to Canada three times to star on a series called "Ceilidh" which reached number one on the Canadian Network. The first visit was in 1973 with Calum Kennedy. The next visit was a year later in 1974, again with Calum Kennedy, also Helen MacArthur (Soprano) and Colin also played along with The Cape Breton Fiddlers. The third and final visit was in 1975 and joining Colin on this trip were, Alasdair Gillies, and Robin Hall and Jimmie Macgregor.

During the eighties and nineties, Colin gave up touring with the band to concentrate on playing in local hotels and restaurants, such as McTavish's Kitchens and The Park Hotel in Oban, entertaining the summer tourists and locals. Colin was also in the resident trio at the Strathspey Hotel in Aviemore for three years.

Personal

Colin is now happily retired and still lives in Oban with his wife Lorna; they have four daughters, thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

References