Superb instrumentalist – the man who made the accordion respectable again; composer; powerhouse behind two hugely influential bands; television and radio presenter; record producer; affable humorist; musical partner of the great Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain; winner of countless awards, including a writer's Grammy; teacher, who not only helps young people but was on one occasion called in to give David Essex a singing lesson; Doctor of the University of Stirling, Member of the Order of the British Empire - where on Earth do you start with Phil Cunningham?
Perhaps at school – Portobello High, in Edinburgh. It was there that the gauntlet was thrown down. Although he had been the star violinist in the class of 1974, and had been studying classical music on the accordion, his departure at the age of 16 delighted the music teacher, who told him: “You're a waster, just like your brother. You'll do nothing, and go nowhere.”
Phil never forgot that. And, as his musical career increasingly took him to faraway places, never forgot to send the teacher a postcard – “Dear Sir. Here I am in Bermuda . Where are you?”
Where Phil Cunningham is now is just about everywhere. As well as filming the Scotland 's Music television series, he has recently completed Secret Scots, a series about world-famous names who have Scottish roots.
He is still composing, still producing records, still touring extensively with Aly Bain, still baffling his pals with his conjuring tricks, still being the irrepressible Phil.
Who knows where this lifelong, and hugely creative, quest for retribution will take Phil Cunningham next?
