HE began as a copy boy, while waiting to go to Edinburgh University, to read English Literature. In the end, he stayed for 53 years.
Today, The Scotsman’s Alastair Clark takes his final bow from the paper that he has variously served – as chief sub-editor, production editor, and night editor – but most notably as music columnist.
Yesterday, the paper nicely gave him a two-page spread to reminisce – his memories including enjoying a smoke with trumpet player, Dizzy Gillespie, and being described – by the poet and songwriter, Hamish Henderson – as the “chronicler” of the revival in Scottish folk music.
He’s been working part-time for the paper these last two years, as opinion (production editor), including sub-editing the leader column.
He produced the music column for 30 years. Approaches from The Herald and the Daily Telegraph were rebuffed: whatever other blandishments they were offering, they couldn’t provide a music column.
“And no-one ever asked me to go away,” Clark told Spike.
And he never did get to university…
