Michael Marra (1952–2012), known as the “Bard of Dundee,” was a Scottish singer-songwriter and musician. After leaving school at 15 to work in various trades, he moved to London to perform in folk clubs. He played in the band Hen's Teeth before forming Skeets Boliver. Marra’s solo career featured the albums The Midas Touch (1980), Gaels Blue (1985), and On Stolen Stationery (1991). His song “Hermless” was humorously proposed as a Scottish national anthem. He collaborated with artists such as Van Morrison and The Proclaimers, and worked extensively in theatre, creating the opera Nan Garland (2004) and the play St Catherine’s Day. Marra performed with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra and received honorary doctorates from Dundee University and Glasgow Caledonian University. His final release during his lifetime was the EP Houseroom (2012). Marra died of throat cancer in Dundee on October 23, 2012.
