Proclaimers take a shine to charities

THE Proclaimers will donate all the proceeds from sales of one of their most famous songs as part of a charity drive to get it in the top 40.

From 31 May Hibs fans want to persuade at least 5,000 people to download Sunshine on Leith – the club's unofficial anthem – to secure it a place in the charts that week.

The move has been timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Hands Off Hibs campaign, which culminates with a gig at the Usher Hall at which the Leith band will play.

And now it has emerged that the duo will donate any additional royalties to the two charities being supported by the anniversary celebrations.

Organiser Callum Laidlaw said: "Craig and Charlie have decided to give any royalties earned that week from downloads of Sunshine on Leith.

"They will pass this on to the two charities that the Usher Hall concert profits are going to – Alzheimer Scotland and the Hibs Former Players Association.

"It's a fantastic touch from the guys."

The ambitious attempt is similar to a recent initiative by Rangers fans which saw their clubs' unofficial song Simply the Best reach number nine in the UK charts.

It has already won the backing of well known Hibs fans including broadcaster Grant Stott.