Observation was one of Adam's great skills

Former Rutherglen Academy teacher Adam McNaughton, the man behind the famous Jeely Piece Song has died at the age of 86.

- JOHN GLOVER

The tune about a “skyscraper wean” who lived on the “nineteenth flair” reflected life in 1960s Glasgow.

A key figure at the school, the Scottish singer/songwriter juggled teaching English with helping to run the school's famed Ballads Club, which provided a chance for young folk singers to learn from the likes of Matt McGinn.

When he wasn’t in the classroom McNaughton was writing and performing, penning material such as the famous Jeely Piece Song, performed by his fellow Ruglonian McGinn, and a satirical take on Hamlet (Hamlet, that's the boy, kids on he's roon’ the bend...)

Talking to the Reformer in 2018 ahead of an academy reunion, McNaughton recalled: “I arrived there in January 1965 and I'd talked my way into it.

“I knew Norman Buchan had been teaching there before going to Parliament, and I had an interest in the Ballads Club, so I made it clear I was keen on teaching there.

“Norman was known in the folk song movement outside the school, so when I was a free agent in 1964 I went to Lanarkshire.

“It was a really great school, and there was a lot going on - a drama club, football and rugby teams, lots of outdoor activities and things outside the classroom.”