ARDROSSAN folk singing legend Dusty Millar has shared his memories of penning a song for election candidate David Lambie – and he believes it helped him win the seat.

Friends for over 60 years, Dusty was asked by David, or Davie as he was known to everyone, to help with the 1974 election campaign.

And being a folk singer, Dusty was happy to write something out.

The song became so popular, Dusty would accompany Davie and the election team around the Three Towns catching potential voter’s ears and in the end, it proved a success as Davie went on to serve as a Labour MP for 22 years.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

“We were friends for over 60 years and when Davie was an MP we had some great times,” said Dusty.

“In 1974 he asked if I would get involved in his canvassing and I agreed to write a song, I just sat down with the guitar and put something together quickly.

“I played it for him and his wife Netta and they liked it so we went out and about all over and while they were busy asking people to vote, I would play the song.

“I came across this old photograph (pictured) and it made me smile so much just remembering the day in question, this was me sitting on top of the car playing it for Davie and it is great that this was captured on camera.

“Also in the picture is Netta, David’s daughter Lorraine and his son Robert and one of their neighbours, it was so badly damaged but we managed to get it repaired and a new picture printed out and I will treasure it always.”

Sadly, Davie passed away in 2019 and has left a hole in his friend Dusty’s heart.

He said: “I cherish our friendship and I have so many special memories of times with David and Netta and my own family and wife Margaret, we miss him very much.”

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Dusty is known locally as a folk musician and was a key player in the Saltcoats Harbour Band.

“Music has always been a big part of my life and I always hope that people get some pleasure from me and my songs,” said Dusty.

The musician has also raised thousands for children’s hospice charity, CHAS over the years too.

“I just like making people smile,” said Dusty.

Wife Margaret added: “It was so lovely to find this old photograph, it brought back a lot of happy memories.”