Proclaimers' snapper focuses on vision for glasses website

Published on Saturday 9 June 2007 11:59

THEY may not be as sexy as Bono's sunglasses or as outrageous as some of Elton John's old specs.

But as a trademark look, the 1970s-style thick black glasses sported by the Proclaimers have certainly stood the test of time.

Now, as the Leith-born duo enjoy a renaissance at the top of the charts, loyal fans are being encouraged to copy their distinctive look.

The band's official photographer, Colin Usher, is encouraging fans to take pictures of themselves wearing Proclaimers glasses at landmarks across the world.

The Leith-based snapper, who has been part of the band's management for seven years, is expecting "tens of thousands" of fans to take part in creating the "iProclaimer" website, which will become a shrine to the brothers.

And everyone who puts up an image of themselves will be asked to make a small charitable donation that will go to the Sightsavers charity.

The idea started with an exhibition Mr Usher created at The Compass restaurant and bar on Queen Charlotte Street as part of the Leith Festival this week.

He bought a pair of comedy black glasses and pictured people with links to Leith wearing them.

Now he is sure the idea will prove popular online. The 37-year-old said: "I'll encourage people to grab some specs and take them round the world with them, whether on holiday or where they live, and photograph themselves with them.

"It will get some money together for charity and it will coincide with Craig and Charlie's new album coming out, which will get them a bit of exposure.

"We'll get ex-Leithers and ex-pats to get pictures done and it will be great for people in Leith to scroll through the site to see who they know."

The site will launch next month at www.iproclaimer.co.uk with the six images that feature in the exhibition, which will be up until the end of the month.

Among the people pictured posing with the glasses for the exhibition are the sons of former Hibs player Gary Smith, Jack and Jordan. Also featured are former Aztec Camera and Orange Juice star Malcolm Ross, with wife Susan, and Leith Walk-based artist Julia Douglas.

"All the people in the exhibition were Proclaimers fans and up for a bit of a laugh in doing the shoot," Mr Usher said.

"The phenomenon The Proclaimers have become is a common thread in Leith and they are quite celebrated here."

Sarah Long, manager of The Compass on Queen Charlotte Street, said: "It's been good having the exhibition here this week we've had a lot of people coming in just to have a look at the pictures, which is unusual for a restaurant and bar but good nonetheless.

"The pictures are great and they're obviously so appropriate to Leith. A lot of the locals have recognised some of the people and have some sort of connection to them.

"I'm sure if it becomes a website it will be successful. I could definitely see the idea catching on. If it becomes really popular it's pretty good that it started off in here."