Traditional singer honoured

SHEILA Stewart, last of the Stewarts of Blairgowrie, was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame at Fort William on Saturday.

The singer, who was also appointed an MBE this year, was honoured for her work preserving the traditional songs of the Scottish travelling people.

She said: "I am the last to carry the tradition on. I see it as an award for the family - a recognition for the years the Stewarts of Blairgowrie have been on the scene."

The Stewarts of Blairgowrie were travellers, led by Belle Stewart, Sheila's mother, who performed folk ballads and stories.