Jimmy Shand

Accordionist and dance band leader; The Bluebell Polka

Born
28 January 1908, East Wemyss, Fife
Died
23 December 2000, Perth, Perthshire

A miner’s son from Fife, Jimmy Shand left the pit after the 1926 strike and became the best loved name in Scottish dance music on the button accordion. His Bluebell Polka was a bestseller in the 1950s, BBC television’s White Heather Club was built around him, and he drew huge crowds across Britain, Ireland and North America. He made his home in Auchtermuchty.

Further reading: Wikipedia · Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame