Biography
Edinburgh-born guitarist and vocalist Robin Laing, now based in Lanarkshire, Scotland, draws much of his material from the songwriting approach of Paul Simon and the late Stan Rogers, yet he reaches his strongest form when delivering traditional Scottish ballads, fiddle tunes, and the poetry of Robert Burns. Folk Tap characterized his delivery as possessing “a pleasantly melodic voice and a beautifully clear guitar…, a touch of Ralph McTell wi’ an accent,” whereas Folk Roots hailed him as “a very sincere, likable and polished performer.”
Until September 1996 Laing balanced music with a full-time post as director of a leading Scottish mental health charity. Even with that schedule he issued two albums, Edinburgh Skyline in 1989 and Walking in Time in 1994, and contributed to the multi-artist collections The Music and Song of Edinburgh and The Merry Muses.
Once he devoted himself entirely to performance, Laing created the one-man show The Angel’s Share, which traces the pleasures and hardships surrounding Scotch whiskey; its soundtrack appeared in 1999. He continues to lead song workshops in Lanarkshire and serves on the New Makars’ Trust, the nonprofit dedicated to fostering songwriting across Scotland.
Until September 1996 Laing balanced music with a full-time post as director of a leading Scottish mental health charity. Even with that schedule he issued two albums, Edinburgh Skyline in 1989 and Walking in Time in 1994, and contributed to the multi-artist collections The Music and Song of Edinburgh and The Merry Muses.
Once he devoted himself entirely to performance, Laing created the one-man show The Angel’s Share, which traces the pleasures and hardships surrounding Scotch whiskey; its soundtrack appeared in 1999. He continues to lead song workshops in Lanarkshire and serves on the New Makars’ Trust, the nonprofit dedicated to fostering songwriting across Scotland.
Albums
