In 1983, Aberdeen Alternative Festival brought some much-needed life and light to the north-east’s dark October evenings. And it was the brainchild of councillor David Clyne.
As the festival grew, the man with an eclectic taste in music had a belief that everyone should have access to alternative music and arts, all year round. So he suggested reusing and renaming St Katherine’s Community Centre to become a permanent base.
The Lemon Tree, as it is now known, was born.
We look back on the life of David Clyne, former Aberdeen councillor, who died aged 86.
Working for the common good
David Elmslie Clyne was born on September 27, 1935. His parents were former soldier Henry and his wife, Ellen Clyne, who were part of the Salvation Army.
David and his two brothers, Andrew and John, were raised near the citadel on West North Street.
Despite passing the 11-Plus exam, his handwriting was deemed too poor and so he wasn’t able to attend Aberdeen Grammar.
He began an apprenticeship when he left school with Barry, Henry and Cook Ltd. It was there – as a toolmaker – where he became involved with the trade union movement.
When National Service came calling he joined the Royal Marines, where he also learned cross country skiing and played in the Royal Marines band.
Later jobs included engineering within the comb works, latterly qualifying as an engineering technician at Aberdeen University.
Love and politics
In the mid-1950s David met Margaret Davidson.
The 16-year-old would catch his eye at the dancing but it was a mutual love of politics and working for the common good that saw their 65-year marriage flourish.
The young couple enjoyed walking together from Castlegate to the Beach Ballroom and they married in the Salvation Army Citadel on January 11, 1957.
Margaret and David went on to have four children: Keith, Melinda, Pamela and Kenny. They were also grandparents to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Labour Party activism
In the late 1970s David became the secretary of the City District Labour Party.
However, by 1979 an advert had been placed in The Press And Journal ahead of the first European Economic Community (EEC) elections.
Worded, “Let’s Get Tough with the EEC – come and assist David Clyne the Labour Party candidate” it was clear David had begun taking his political career more seriously.
Despite his best efforts, it was later reported that he called the exceptionally low turnout “scandalous” when he wasn’t elected.
The following year he was successful in his bid to become a councillor. He was elected to be the representative of Abbotswell ward – before council reforms – from 1980.
Married to politics
Under the headline “Labour hit ’em for six” on May 4 1984, the news was reported on David’s re-election to the Abbotswell seat of Aberdeen City District Council.
Meanwhile his wife Margaret won her seat in Kincorth for Grampian Regional Council.
They were both asked how they felt their appointments would impact family life.
Margaret said: “I did not see very much of David anyway, because of his local government work. So I thought, ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.'”
“It will be just like the relationship between the district council and the regional council,” David added. “We will not be speaking!”
David would eventually also represent Lower Kincorth from 1995-1999 and following boundary changes, Kincorth West from 1999-2007.
Alternative Music Festival
In 1983 David – whose remit included arts and entertainment within the council – invited Shetland Folk Festival Society to what would be the first-ever alternative music festival in Aberdeen.
More than 30 Shetlanders played to a full house at the Aberdeen Arts Centre and it was such a success that David made plans to repeat the event next year.
From the outset of AAF, crowds could see the likes of Celtic rockers Runrig and jazz performer Carole Kidd, and fringe events included improv comedy and mural painting.
David wanted something to sit alongside the recurring Aberdeen International Festival Of Music And The Performing Arts.
“I thought it would be a good way to bring people together. We had the arts and culture, that was the way to do it,” he said.
Over the years, Aberdeen Alternative Festival – accompanied by its very own Fringe – grew into Scotland’s second-largest annual event, behind only the Edinburgh Festival.
The Lemon Tree
The Lemon Tree, as it’s now known, was created in 1992, when St Katherine’s community centre was renamed.
The new moniker was suggested by Councillor Clyne, referencing a pub on St Nicholas Street. It was known to be a favourite drinking spot for councillors and city officials.
David had a wide and eclectic taste in music himself, with a special love of classical music.
Additionally, he enjoyed walking, having never learned to drive, and also loved time in his garden.
“Dad was very proud of all he had achieved for Aberdeen. It was all underpinned by a need for fairness or to provide something for everybody.
“He was a really great man – a lovely dad – who worked hard all of his life. We miss him,” said David’s daughter Melinda.
You can read the family’s announcement here.
Conversation