. . . and the band everyone else wanted to see

The Melotones grew out of the Jimmy Stewart Dance Band - three Wilson brothers Jimmy (piano), Willie (bass) and Eck (drums) left to form the new group in 1952.

By 1958 they were an eight-piece. In 1959 they were the first band in the Highlands to play for the emerging coach tour parties.

They played all over the north and were a popular attraction at weekend gigs and even made some records. Their last show was in 1978 and Fergie Brown is the sole surviving member. Eck Wilson once said: "No-one can take that away from us - we were bigger than The Beatles."

Other locals recall The Melotones were not the only attraction at the Strathpeffer Pavilion - it had a licence until 1.30am while other venues closed at 9pm.