One of Scotland's most highly acclaimed solo musicians is the subject of a new television documentary to be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Thursday 5th January 2006.

Am Bràighe 's Am Bayou explores the themes and motivations that run through the music of Blair Douglas, a founder member of bands Runrig, Mactalla and Cliar.

As a solo musician Blair has gone on to create a series of idiosyncratic and highly acclaimed compositions. His inspirations range from family and the Highland landscape to the Cajun sounds of New Orleans, and world events and politics, uniquely blended with Gaelic sounds in his last album, the widely-acclaimed "Angels from the
Ashes". The title track from the album was composed by Blair in memory of all those who lost their lives on 9/11, and earlier this year was released as a single to assist the work of a Glasgow charity working with the families of Firefighters and Port Authority Police officers who lost their lives on that day.

In a rare TV interview, the programme takes the form of a travelogue following Blair from his home in Braes to the Bayou of Louisiana, as he visits the birthplace of his latest musical inspiration. He also visits New York and the inspiration and impetus that moved him to compose his "Angels from the Ashes" .

Programme producer, Alasdair MacKinnon, describes Blair as "a shy and very private individual, with a great sense of humour. Its very difficult to categorise his music, but it communicates with so many people and without doubt the depth of his own spirituality comes through very strongly in all his work"

Piper and musician, Dougie Pincock describes Douglas in the programme as a pain in the neck - but only because of the frustration that "he should be famous, like really famous, and he is not, and the reason he
is not is because he doesn't want to be." Pincock, also Director of the National School of Excellence in Traditional Music says that Blair has got a very special relationship with the young folk he teaches at the school in Plockton. "There's probably nobody I would say amongst the youngsters that commands the same level of affection as Blair Douglas - respect is one thing but when Blair Douglas walks in this building the whole place picks up. There's very few people that can work on the two levels of having respect and affection."

Am Bràighe 's Am Bayou was produced by MnE Television, and funded by Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig. The programme will be broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland on Thursday 5th January 2006 - 19.15 - 20.00.