Folk musician and BBC presenter Archie Fisher dies aged 86

Folk musician and BBC presenter Archie Fisher dies aged 86

Archie Fisher, the folk musician and former BBC Scotland presenter, has passed away at the age of 86. Fisher, who hosted BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk from 1983 to 2010, came from a musically inclined family in Glasgow. Considered one of the pioneering steel-string players in British folk music, he released several albums during his career. In recognition of his contributions to traditional Scottish music, Fisher was honored with an MBE in 2006.

The news of Fisher’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with Scottish singing star Barbara Dickson referring to him as “the great Archie Fisher.” She described him as her “musical mentor” and a significant cultural figure in Scotland. Many others in the music community shared their condolences and fond memories of Fisher, highlighting his impact as both a broadcaster and a musician.

Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, praised Fisher as a beloved voice on the radio and a prominent figure in Scotland’s traditional music scene. She emphasized his role in shaping the musical tastes of listeners through his program, Travelling Folk. Fellow BBC presenter Vic Galloway and folk singer Iona Fyfe also expressed their sadness at Fisher’s passing, recognizing his influence and legacy in the music industry.

Donald Shaw, the creative producer of Celtic Connections, remembered Fisher as a vital part of the Scottish folk scene, noting his talents as a singer-songwriter and radio host. Shaw commended Fisher’s songwriting abilities and his ability to capture the essence of Scottish culture and history in his music. Fisher’s impact on the music community, characterized by his wit, kindness, and vast knowledge, will be deeply missed. Fisher passed away on a Saturday, having relocated to Edinburgh in the 1960s and spending his final years in the south of Scotland

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