WELL-KNOWN Prestonpans singer/songwriter Alex Hodgson is excited for the release of his first album in 10 years, a tribute to his father, miners, East Lothian and the one and only Robbie Burns.

Alex, now 63, is a full-time singer/songwriter, with his days of working as a technician at Preston Lodge High School well behind him; but even now he says he still gets called up from time to time to help out with some odd jobs. 

On Tuesday, Alex spoke with the Courier all about his new album Doon Where The Glennie Burns and even gave a living-room performance. 

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His third album recorded with Greentrax Recordings Ltd, located in Cockenzie Business Centre, is about his mining father and also takes inspiration from Robbie Burns and East Lothian itself.

He said: "My new album is a tribute to the miners of the past.

Alex Hodgson (Image: NQ Staff)

"My dad was a miner at Bilston Glen in Midlothian, so for me and many others growing up here, there has always been mining links in Prestonpans and across East Lothian. 

"The name of the album, Doon Where The Glennie Burns, refers to the lamp that the miners used to use when going deep underground into the mine, and I have used some of the themes in Robbie Burns' songs to tie in with the album.

"All my songs are East Lothian based and are always tied in with Scottish folk.

"There are some mining songs in there, with some wee links with neighbours and even just people I've known for a long time and covers by Robbie Burns himself."

The lamp Alex refers to can be seen on the front cover of his new album, with the artwork created by Prestonpans artist Rachel Cunningham.

Doon Where The Glennie Burns, by Alex Hodgson (Image: NQ Staff)

Alex will now kick off his short local tour this weekend with his ceilidh band, playing in Musselburgh on Friday and Saturday, and Prestonpans on Sunday. 

"I have a few gigs this weekend in the county to launch it and I'd love to see as many people come along as possible," he said.

"It is a real privilege to play in front of a home crowd and it is actually really nice to do so.

"Some money will also be made for Prestonpans Gala as well, which is fantastic. 

"I usually take part in the gala's pensioners night and I do go round playing music in all the centres because that is what I do for a job, and being able to combine that with the launch of my album is a real honour."

Alex and his ceilidh band will perform at Musselburgh's Fisherrow Fisherman's Dance on Friday at 7pm, on Saturday at 7pm at Northesk Parish Church, and on Sunday at Prestonpans Royal British Legion between 2pm and 6pm, with money going to the gala.

On Facebook, Prestonpans Gala said: "Why not dance the afternoon away, come along to our ceilidh, where Alex is launching his new album?

"If you would like tickets, please contact this page, any committee member, pop into C&A Funeral Services on High Street or the community centre."

Alex's album is available via Greentrax and is also set to be released digitally onto streaming services in the coming days.