 The sixth recipient of the Oliver Brown Award was author, broadcaster and musician Jimmie Macgregor who was presented with the Award on 18 June 1988 at an enjoyable lunch in the Terraces Hotel, Stirling. The Toast to the Scots Independent was proposed by Michael F Russell, Publicity vice-chairman of the Scottish National Party ( now a SNP list MSP ).
Jimmie Macgregor is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, and has been, among other things, a schoolteacher, engraver, potter, naturalist, labourer, hospital porter, author, illustrator, and radio and television presenter. He was deeply involved in the early days of the folk song revival, and with his singing partner Robin Hall, remained to the forefront of that movement for over twenty years, becoming a household name through countless radio, concert and television appearances. He has toured the length and breadth of the British Isles, appearing in all kinds of venues from tiny folk clubs to the largest theatres and concert halls. He also toured extensively abroad including visits to Canada, Israel, USA, Australia, Belgium, Holland, France, New Zealand, Germany, Russia, Austria and the Middle East. Jimmie Macgregor has made more than twenty long playing albums, while several of his own songs and tunes have been issued by fellow musicians and he has composed and played theme music for radio and television.
Following his folk-singing career Jimmie Macgregor rapidly established himself as a broadcaster. His highly
successful daily programme on Radio Scotland "Macgregor's Gathering" quickly attracted a large following. His broadcasting success led to not only the Oliver Brown Award but his programme was granted a special prize by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, for its significant contribution to wildlife and conservation. On both radio and television his "Macgregor's Scotland" outdoor series, starting with "The West Highland Way", proved equally popular. Each of his Walk programmes
was followed by an
illustrated book.
A keen outdoor man, hill-walker and naturalist Jimmie Macgregor has done much to popularise the Scottish countryside, environment and conservation. He is a life member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and was a popular and deserved winner of the Oliver Brown Award.
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