National Galleries of Scotland

McKellar initially studied forestry at the University of Aberdeen. A change of career came, however, when he gained a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, London. Yet after a period working with the Carl Rosa Opera Company, McKellar decided he did not like the life of an opera singer and instead focused on traditional Scottish songs. He became a household name thanks to the Scottish country dance and music TV show, `The White Heather Club?, which ran from 1958-68. In 1966 he represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. Between the mid-1950s and the early 1980s, McKellar recorded more than thirty LPs, selling millions of copies worldwide. This vibrant portrait shows the singer in his characteristic kilt against a backdrop of Scottish scenery.