A musician who was in a pop band that achieved chart successes in the 1980s has revealed that he is returning to his Banffshire roots – after taking his band back to his home town to play at this year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
Dexys Midnight Runners achieved two number one hits, the best known of which ‘Come On Eileen’ remains a powerful dance floor filler to this day. ‘Big’ Jim Paterson was the band’s trombonist and grew up in Portsoy before moving to London to pursue his musical career.
He has spoken of his pride and honour to be returning to his roots to play in his home town – and also of his plans to move back to the Banffshire Coast.
Jim says: “I think the last time I played in Portsoy was at the swimming pool with the Keith and District Silver Band, I must have been about 14.
“My wife Sandra and I are moving back permanently soon and the reason is very simple. We love Portsoy, it's always been my spiritual home and we want to spend the rest of our lives together in the best place possible.
“I know the population of the town has changed, with so many English accents I'll probably think we are still in London anyway.
“I'm also very proud of Portsoy, it's more than just a beautiful former fishing port, there is something magical about the place.
“Dexys will always be in my heart, the band that made me but it's time to move on.
“I've reached a stage in my life where I just want to play with no stress, no constraints, and this is perfect for me. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I'd be given an opportunity to play in front of a Portsoy audience again so I'm really excited.”
Jim will bring new five piece Scottish band Urang Matang to Portsoy for the Festival.
Specialising in its own blend of Ska and Reggae, the band mixes reworks classics with tracks from three original albums.
Over the past few years the band has notched up a loyal fan base through playing at festivals and gigs all over Britain, and providing support slots to Toots and the Maytals, The Selecter and The Skatalites.
Urang Matang will be playing at the Wally Green Marquee on Saturday, June 25 when they will join Festival favourites, Dutch band, De Kinkels, and Portsoy’s Jack Syke.
The Saturday night gig is entry by ticket only and demand for tickets is expected to be high so music fans are encouraged to buy theirs now either online at www.stbfportsoy.com or at the Festival Ticket and Information Office in Portsoy from June 18. Tickets cost £10 each.
The Festival will bring together a great range of musicians and performers from the local area and from around the world including Scottish singer songwriter Amy Baillie, Scots fiddler Paul Anderson, Bothy Ballad Champion Shona Donaldson and Norwegian singer Rudi Myntevik whose grandmother hailed from Portsoy.
One of the most popular events in Scotland’s tourism calendar, the ACE Winches Scottish Traditional Boat Festival attracts more than 18,000 people to the Banffshire town of Portsoy every year, with around 12% of the visitors attending from overseas.
It takes place on June 25 and 26 June in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, when it will showcase the best in Scotland’s maritime, crafts, food, drink, music and dance.
For tickets and further information visit www.stbfportsoy.com
Updates are also available on Facebook and Twitter @STBFestival