WEST Fifers will now be able to read about Dunfermline music legend Stuart Adamson after a new copy of his biography was donated to the Carnegie Galleries and Library.
Author and journalist Allan Glen discovered his book, Stuart Adamson in a Big Country, was not available to lend– although there a display copy in the reference section – so contacted library bosses and offered to send one to them.
Written in 2010 by Allan, a former NME journalist from Dunfermline who now lives in Brighton, the book tells the story of how the Stuart, who died in 2001, released his first single at 19, wrote three Top 40 albums in the next three years with the Skids.
He then went onto form a new band, Big Country, and sell more than 10 million records worldwide, touring with The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Queen.
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After finding out through social media that the book was not available to borrow in Dunfermline, he wanted to rectify the situation.
"There is one in the Carnegie Library but you cannot take it out – there is one copy in the reference library and it is behind glass and you have to read it there. Not a lot of people are going to do that and I thought that was really quite unfortunate," he said.
"I am from Dunfermline and used to spend a lot of time in the library and it holds such good memories for me. I got in touch and asked them. They said they have got the one copy and it is to keep it in good condition.
"I said, if it is appropriate, I would like to donate a copy as it seems really unfortunate that it is sold out and the prices get quite ridiculous.
"As much as a little thank you for all the help, I signed a copy and sent it up to them.
"It is great for them and it is nice to give a bit of publicity as he is such a big part of Dunfermline."
A huge fan of Adamson since his teenage years, Allan is keen to ensure his achievements get their deserved recognition.
"Dunfermline is a wonderful place for music and, to be honest, Stuart was a time when we had a lot of new bands coming through in the 70s. Stuart came along with the Skids and Big Country. When the first album came out, it was very much Dunfermline got the spotlight.
"To get a chance to write about him 30 or 40 years later was a lovely feeling. When the book came out, we didn't know how it would go. We thought it might sell 10 copies, it might sell 20, we just didn't know.
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"I thought his story deserved to be remembered.
"I think even now, if there's anything in Stewart's legacy is the fact is the band and music is still being played.
"He wrote the lyrics for most of them. He wrote all the music for the Skids and the lyrics for Big Country as well which Bruce did as well. Stuart's music is still being played out there. He is still being spoken of."
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