Scots artists urged to go it alone in a song for Europe

Published on Saturday 13 December 2008 18:48

IT'S a campaign that could never be awarded "nul points" for lacking ambition.

A host of musical superstars are being targeted in a bid to secure a Scottish song for Europe.

Franz Ferdinand, Shirley Manson, Rod Stewart, Lulu, Annie Lennox, The Proclaimers and KT Tunstall are being urged to throw their weight behind the idea of Scotland having its own Eurovision song contest entry.

MEP Alyn Smith hopes the support of chart-topping A-listers will persuade the European Broadcasting Union to welcome the land of Robert Burns and Jimmy Shand to join the pan-continental party.

The Nationalist is writing to dozens of high-profile stars in the hope of gaining their support for a declaration of musical independence from the United Kingdom.

In a letter being sent out to performers, he states: "I'm writing to request your help. Scotland is particularly fortunate in having an abundance of talented musicians. However, when it comes to Eurovision our artists never seem to get a look in.

"Instead, we are forced to endure the embarrassment of being associated with some truly dreadful performances.

"Scotland is well liked across Europe and we can do better. Having our own entry would give our artists and our broadcasting industry a well-deserved, and well-needed, boost."

The letter has been sent to a wide variety of artists including Belle & Sebastian, Sheena Easton, Sharleen Spiteri, Sandi Thom, Simple Minds, Midge Ure, Primal Scream, The Fratellis, Biffy Clyro, Edwyn Collins, Paolo Nutini, Eddi Reader, Travis, Mylo, Mogwai, Amy MacDonald, Teenage Fanclub, Nicola Benedetti, Jimmy Somerville, Wet Wet Wet, Donovan and Deacon Blue.

Smith said the Scotland in Eurovision campaign was a light-hearted way to achieve serious goals.

"Eurovision is about the nations of Europe getting together and having fun, and certainly Scotland could do better representing ourselves than the UK is currently managing," he said. "This is a prime example of how we can boost Scotland's profile across the world, but in a light-hearted way."

The plan for a separate Scottish entry also has the backing of Culture Minister Linda Fabiani, who said: "There is a huge amount of talent in Scotland and we would be happy for it to be showcased."

UK entries to Eurovision have fared miserably over the past few years with former binman and X–Factor finalist Andy Abraham coming joint last at this year's contest in Belgrade with a derisory 14 points.

Camp pop group Scooch finished second last the previous year, only slightly better than duo Jemini, who finished with the dreaded "nul points" in 2003.

Critics, including outgoing BBC host Sir Terry Wogan, claim the contest has become devalued because of the political voting tactics employed by eastern European countries.

Veteran DJ and pop historian Paul Gambaccini predicted Scotland would fare well if it went it alone. The author of The Complete Eurovision Song Contest Companion said Scotland could draw on a wide range of talent.

He said: "In Scotland there's Annie Lennox, there's KT Tunstall. These are artists who are more major than the ones Britain is putting forward on behalf of the country.

"The UK Government has never taken Eurovision seriously and the best artists and writers don't go for it.

"Most of the other European countries are not laughing, they are trying to win it."