Rab Noakes, who sings our closing song, was born in St Andrews in 1947. He has been a songwriter/performer, working professionally, for over 50 years. He also spent time in the BBC as Head of Entertainment at BBC Radio Scotland.

His only tangible involvement with National Theatre of Scotland is as an audience member including attendance at the early promenade works such as ‘Black Watch’ and the outdoor ‘Home’. As a member of the Scottish Arts Council, in 2005, Rab was present when Vicky Featherstone made her initial presentation. Rab’ s phrase was “Seldom has risk-taking been in such safe hands”.

Other theatre work includes occasional musical collaborations and contributions. His TV work includes Performances on such highlights as ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ in the 1970’s to various shows including Hogmanay Specials and the televised Tribute to Gerry Rafferty in 2012. He was Musical Director on John Byrne’s ‘Your cheatin’ heart’ and was MD on several Elaine C. Smith TV Specials.

His Radio work includes performances too numerous to mention from 1969 to the present as well as the aforementioned production/management career from BBC to Indie from 1987 to 2017.

He has released over 20 solo albums and has contributed to, and collaborated on, twice as many more.

He has received a Tartan Clef Contribution to Music Award from Nordoff-Robbins. He was also welcomed into the Hands up for Trad Hall of Fame for Services to Performance.