THE first of two gigs honouring Scots singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty got under way at the Celtic Connections festival.

The Proclaimers, Craig and Charlie Reid, took to the stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall last night to perform Rafferty's Mattie's Rag.

It was an emotional sell-out tribute concert to the Paisley-born star who died last January.

Rafferty, who began performing with Billy Connolly as the Humblebums, was most famous for his 1978 No.1 single Baker Street. His work enjoyed a renaissance in the 1990s after Stuck in the Middle with You, recorded with Stealers Wheel, was used in Quentin Tarantino's 1992 movie Reservoir Dogs.

Rafferty's daughter Martha and his long-time pal, Rab Noakes organised the lavish commemorative gathering of friends, family, bandmates, collaborators and admirers.

Over two nights they will be performing their pick of classics and lesser-known jewels from the star's 40-year career.

The Proclaimers, whose first hit, Letter From America, was produced by Rafferty, were joined on stage by Barbara Dickson.

Dickson sang backing vocals on Rafferty's City to City and Night Owl albums and later sang a duet with Gerry on her Dylan album.

Also appearing was fellow 1970s hitmaker Maria Muldaur; ex-Cream singer and bassist Jack Bruce; and Ron Sexsmith. Three of Rafferty's regular sidemen, guitarist Hugh Burns, multi-instrumentalist Graham Preskett and saxophonist Mel Collins played with the house band at the Concert Hall.

The first gig was so heavily oversubscribed that a second date has been scheduled for tonight.

deborah.anderson@ eveningtimes.co.uk