DUncan mackinnon Scotlands first IMPRESARIO
Duncan Mackinnon, Border Dances (1916 -1969)
Duncan Mackinnon set up Border Dances in 1947.
In the 1950s – He would run country dances around Scotland with bands such as Jimmy Shand and Bobby MacLeod. He also promoted Trad Jazz, such as The Ted Heath Band, Acker Bilk, Mick Mulligan, Magnolia Jazz Band (George Melly), Dr Crock and his Crackpots,
Cleo Laine, and Johnny Dankworth.
In the 1960s – Duncan supported and promoted many new and upcoming local bands such as The Diamonds, The Jaguars, The Avengers, The Castle Kings and Rue and the Rockets. Some of these acted as support for the bands that he would hire for the dances he promoted
across the UK. Bands such as Johnny Kid and the Pirates, The Hollies, The Who, The Pretty Things, The Kinks, Long John Baldry (Rod Stewart), The Yardbirds (Jeff Beck), Spencer Davis (Stevie Winwood), Johnny Gentle backed by the Silver Beetles (The Beatles). Robert
Plant's Band of Joy - before he formed Led Zeppelin, The Walker Brothers, The Troggs, The Animals, The Alex Harvey band, Manfred Mann, and many more.
He had many London business contacts with people such as Jim Godbolt, Larry Parnes, Robert Stigwood and through these agents he was able to bring many up-and-coming bands to the Scottish Borders and throughout the UK.
In December 2011 the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust was formed to run Mac Arts and celebrate Duncan’s legacy.
Duncan Mackinnon set up Border Dances in 1947.
In the 1950s – He would run country dances around Scotland with bands such as Jimmy Shand and Bobby MacLeod. He also promoted Trad Jazz, such as The Ted Heath Band, Acker Bilk, Mick Mulligan, Magnolia Jazz Band (George Melly), Dr Crock and his Crackpots,
Cleo Laine, and Johnny Dankworth.
In the 1960s – Duncan supported and promoted many new and upcoming local bands such as The Diamonds, The Jaguars, The Avengers, The Castle Kings and Rue and the Rockets. Some of these acted as support for the bands that he would hire for the dances he promoted
across the UK. Bands such as Johnny Kid and the Pirates, The Hollies, The Who, The Pretty Things, The Kinks, Long John Baldry (Rod Stewart), The Yardbirds (Jeff Beck), Spencer Davis (Stevie Winwood), Johnny Gentle backed by the Silver Beetles (The Beatles). Robert
Plant's Band of Joy - before he formed Led Zeppelin, The Walker Brothers, The Troggs, The Animals, The Alex Harvey band, Manfred Mann, and many more.
He had many London business contacts with people such as Jim Godbolt, Larry Parnes, Robert Stigwood and through these agents he was able to bring many up-and-coming bands to the Scottish Borders and throughout the UK.
In December 2011 the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust was formed to run Mac Arts and celebrate Duncan’s legacy.
The project - Scotland’s first impresario, Duncan Mackinnon, “The man who brought
the Beatles to Scotland”
This project has celebrated the life of a Borders man who brought The Beatles to Scotland.
Duncan Mackinnon, a music promoter, brought many high-profile names to perform in the region and further afield in the 1950s and 60s, including the Who, The Hollies, The Pretty Things and The Kinks.
He was also instrumental in promoting The Beatles, then called the Silver Beetles, during their first tour of Scotland. The world-renowned group backed Johnny Gentle on his Scottish tour between May 20-28, 1960. This project funded by the William Grant Foundation and The Syson Foundation has enabled several oral history interviews to be collected from people who played and worked for Duncan Mackinnon, Border Dances. Read more about the Beatles tour
At the exhibition held at MacArts (24th October until the 30st of January 2022) you will be able to read and hear the fascinating recorded stories as you move around the exhibition space. You will also be able to view the brilliant visual stories and creative outcomes from Fashion Communication students studying at Heriot Watt University, School of Textiles
and Design, who have interpreted Duncan’s legacy and the imagery of the bands of the 50s and 60s who played for him. In addition, you will be able to view a short film interpreting the legacy of Duncan and read collected memorabilia and press clippings promoting the
work of Border Dances back in the day.
Chris Wemyss, Manager of MacArts said -
“Duncan’s inspirational work shaped the cultural landscape in the Borders and further afield and it was vital that these stories were recorded for future generations and that we celebrate his legacy.”
the Beatles to Scotland”
This project has celebrated the life of a Borders man who brought The Beatles to Scotland.
Duncan Mackinnon, a music promoter, brought many high-profile names to perform in the region and further afield in the 1950s and 60s, including the Who, The Hollies, The Pretty Things and The Kinks.
He was also instrumental in promoting The Beatles, then called the Silver Beetles, during their first tour of Scotland. The world-renowned group backed Johnny Gentle on his Scottish tour between May 20-28, 1960. This project funded by the William Grant Foundation and The Syson Foundation has enabled several oral history interviews to be collected from people who played and worked for Duncan Mackinnon, Border Dances. Read more about the Beatles tour
At the exhibition held at MacArts (24th October until the 30st of January 2022) you will be able to read and hear the fascinating recorded stories as you move around the exhibition space. You will also be able to view the brilliant visual stories and creative outcomes from Fashion Communication students studying at Heriot Watt University, School of Textiles
and Design, who have interpreted Duncan’s legacy and the imagery of the bands of the 50s and 60s who played for him. In addition, you will be able to view a short film interpreting the legacy of Duncan and read collected memorabilia and press clippings promoting the
work of Border Dances back in the day.
Chris Wemyss, Manager of MacArts said -
“Duncan’s inspirational work shaped the cultural landscape in the Borders and further afield and it was vital that these stories were recorded for future generations and that we celebrate his legacy.”
THe Duncan Mackinnon oral history project
During 2021 a number performers, promoters and audience members who worked with Duncan were interviewed about their relationship with Duncan and what life was like for working musicians and promoters back in the 50's and 60's. You can listen to these interviews by clicking on the links below
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Andy Park a Carlisle promoter who worked with Duncan |
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Bob Fish of Johnny & The Roccos, The Diamonds and the Ceiling Light Machine who were often booked by Duncan
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Loudon Temple Musician, Writer and Journalist Member of various bands including The Ceiling Light Machine and The Diamonds
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Mick Riddell Duncan's driver and member of many bands including Bodkin and the Jaguars
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Rueben Slater of Rue and the Rockets
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Michael (Mick) Doohan, Friend of the Mackinnon family and regular concert attendee.
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Margaret Sykes. Margaret worked on the cloakroom at many dances for Duncan
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Gerald (Geb) Reilly of The Avengers
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Live Borders Heritage Hub also have interesting memory bank interviews relating to Duncan's life and work
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Diane Clinkscale - Wife of one of Duncans Doormen
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Peter Duffy - Member of the band The End
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R Scott Forsyth - Local Promoter
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Isobel Scott - Owned The Border Hotel Kelso and let rooms to visiting Musicians
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