FEW SCOTS THE world over have not heard of Ronnie Browne – if only from his lifelong work with the Corries and taking a regular lead in singing our unofficial anthem at major events.
Saying that – Ronnie perhaps summed up his status in his autobiography, settling on the title ‘Ronnie Browne – That guy fae the Corries’!
Such was the emotional impact of singing the song, however, Ronnie announced last year that he would not be performing it again, leaving Scots rugby and football fans to carry on and blast it out ahead of international games.
Flower of Scotland was penned by Roy Williamson, Ronnie’s lifelong Corrie’s partner, who moved to Forres later in his life before being diagnosed with a brain tumour during the Corrie’s tour in 1989.
Roy spent his last months in Forres before passing away in 1990, leaving Ronnie to carry forward the legacy of the song ever since.
Now Ronnie is back in the town that played such as central role to the life of his friend, appearing later this month at a joint event organised by the Forres Heritage Trust and Friends of the Falconer Museum – “Meeting Ronnie – that guy fae the Corries”.
Held in the iconic surrounds of the Forres Tollbooth, Ronnie will take his audience on a journey through his long and varied life. Bob James, a Trustee of the Forres Heritage Trust, said: “Ronnie will be demonstrating that there is much more to the man than his being a singer of songs.
“From the cobbled streets of his native Edinburgh to the sandy floors of the Great Temple of Ramesses II in Abu Simbel, he has led an absolutely fascinating life. He will be speaking of his showbiz associations with such as Chic Murray and Ricki Fulton and perhaps remembering his movie appearance in ‘The Bruce’.”
Those attending will have a unique opportunity to quiz Ronnie during his talk on May 26 at 7pm – as well as a chance to take home a copy of his autobiography.
Tickets for ‘Meeting Ronnie – the guy fae the Corries’ are available from the Falconer Museum at £12.50 – admission is for those over 16-years of age only and patrons are asked to note that this is not a musical performance.