Celebrate Hogmanay at the Island

Celebrate the start of a new year in the company of world renowned Scottish entertainers The Alexander Brothers with special guests, including yodelling farmer Kenny Archer, the gentleman of Country Crawford Bell, the rising star of country Trionagh Allen and the man of a thousand laughs Gary Wilson.

It is now 50 years since The Alexander Brothers made their first appearance as professional entertainers at the Webster Theatre in Arbroath, Scotland. Ross Bowie became their Manager, an association that lasted 35 years. He introduced them to songwriter Tony Hatch who took them to London and recording fame. They had their own TV series for many years and appeared on the legendary ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’.

They have appeared in all the top venues all over the world including the Carnegie Hall, New York and the famous Sydney Opera House.

They were born in Cambusnethan, near Wishaw. Their father, Jimmy worked in the local steel works and was the driving force behind the family. Their musical talents came from Mum, Helen who sang and played the piano.

Tom started to learn the accordion at the age of 9 and in 1952 won the Classical Open Solo at the N.A.O Championships in Glasgow. Jack started piano studies when 11 and within 6 years had several diplomas to his name.

On leaving school the ‘boys’, as they were affectionately known, gained valuable experience in front of live audiences by entering talent contests al over central Scotland. They went on to win every contest they entered, from 1950 - 1956, at which time Jack did his National Service.

In 1958 they decided to turn professional and soon developed a repertoire of Scottish material. In 1962 came a major break. Songwriter Tony Hatch heard them and took them down to London to record their first Album ‘Highland Fling’, on the PYE Label which was a massive seller. In 1964 they recorded ‘Nobody’s Child’ as a single, it was an instant hit.

Tom and Jack went on to record over 30 albums and countless singles for PYE and RCA. Offers from Radio and TV came flooding in. They co-starred with Shirley Bassey in 1967 on the famous ‘London Palladium Show’ and hosted their own show on STV which topped the ratings for many years.

This is a great way to spend the last night of 2011 in the company of friends and enjoy an excellent night of music and craic.

For further information or to book tickets, priced £17.50, contact the Box Office on 9250 9254.