Archie Fisher, the renowned Scottish folk musician and beloved former BBC Scotland presenter, has died at the age of 86. News of his passing, which occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, was confirmed by multiple sources, including BBC and Scottish music outlets. Fisher, who had recently entered hospice care for cancer, leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of traditional music, both in Scotland and far beyond its borders.
Born into a family of Glasgow-based folk singers, Archie Fisher was immersed in music from his earliest days. The Fisher household was a wellspring of traditional song, and it was here that Archie’s love for Scottish folk music took root. From an early age, he displayed a prodigious musicality that would come to define his life and career. According to BBC, Fisher was among the earliest steel-string players in British folk music, a detail that hints at his pioneering spirit and the breadth of his influence.
In 1960, Fisher made the move to Edinburgh, a city that would become central to his musical journey. It was here that he became a fixture at The Howff, a legendary folk club that served as a crucible for the Scottish folk revival. The Howff drew a constellation of performers—Hamish Imlach, Bert Jansch, Billy Connolly, and many others—and Archie Fisher’s performances were among the main attractions. As reported by multiple sources, he was featured on the seminal compilation Edinburgh Folk Festival vol 2, which served as a primer for the vibrant Howff scene, and he recorded regularly, both with his family and as a solo artist.
Fisher’s commitment to Scottish traditions was unwavering. His songwriting, characterized by a natural and evocative style, produced works that have become part of the contemporary folk repertoire. One such song, “Men of Worth,” stands out as a powerful tribute to Scots fishing and is now considered a staple within the genre. Donald Shaw, creative producer of Celtic Connections, reflected on Fisher’s impact, stating, “Archie Fisher was one of the great tradition bearers of the Scottish folk scene, and an inspiring, much-loved singer-songwriter before his success as a radio presenter. Songs like ‘Men of Worth’—his powerful tribute to Scots fishing—have become part of the contemporary folk repertoire, testament to his natural writing style.” Shaw also recalled Fisher’s celebratory 80th anniversary concert at Celtic Connections, calling it a festival highlight and noting the global array of artists eager to share the stage with him.
In 1983, Fisher was invited to helm BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk, a program that would cement his status as a household name. For 27 years, until his retirement in 2010, Fisher’s warm, insightful voice guided listeners through the rich landscape of folk music. Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, paid tribute to his legacy: “Archie was a popular voice on BBC Radio Scotland for many years and an influential figure in the country’s traditional music scene. As the long-time presenter of Travelling Folk, he brought warmth and a deep musical insight to generations of listeners. We are saddened by the news of Archie’s passing and send our condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues.”
Fisher’s contributions to music did not go unrecognized. In 2006, he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for his services to traditional Scottish music. This formal recognition mirrored the deep affection and respect he commanded within the folk community and among his listeners. Over the years, Fisher released a number of albums and collaborated with an array of prominent musicians, further enriching the tapestry of British folk music.
The impact of Fisher’s life and work was evident in the outpouring of tributes following news of his death. Scottish singing star Barbara Dickson described him as “the great Archie Fisher,” adding, “My musical mentor and huge cultural icon here in Scotland. Rest in Peace, Archie. Bx.” BBC radio and television presenter Vic Galloway echoed these sentiments, saying, “I’m very sad to hear the news about the passing of Archie Fisher. I met him many times at the BBC over the years & he was always a real gentleman, as well as being a great broadcaster. Obviously he was a legend of Scottish folk & traditional music as well... Archie RIP.”
Scottish folk singer Iona Fyfe, who was among the many artists influenced by Fisher, offered her own heartfelt tribute: “So sad to hear of the passing of Archie Fisher. A true folk music hero and inspiration. Rest easy Archie. Thoughts with the family and all who loved Archie and his music.” These sentiments were echoed by countless others across the folk community, who remembered Fisher not only for his artistry but also for his wit, kindness, and deep well of knowledge.
James Keelaghan, a fellow musician and friend, shared a moving memory of his final visit with Fisher near Galashiels in June 2025. “Stopped in to see him and to spend the night at the hacienda near Galashiels last June. We ate curry, we told stories, drank whisky and played some songs. And in the early afternoon, I took my leave. It was the last time I saw him. But it won’t be the last time we’ll be together. Tonight I will sing ‘Dark-eyed Molly,’ ‘The Final Trawl,’ ‘Bill Hosie,’ and ‘Witch of the Westmerland,’ and we will be together again. And if we keep singing his songs, he’ll never die.”
Archie Fisher spent his final years in the south of Scotland, having become a fixture in Edinburgh’s folk scene decades earlier. His influence, however, extended far beyond any one city or region. As Donald Shaw noted, “As anyone on the music scene today will tell you, he was full of wit, kindness and knowledge. He will be sorely missed.”
Fisher’s legacy is not merely one of music, but of mentorship, tradition, and community. The songs he wrote, the artists he inspired, and the audiences he captivated are testaments to a life devoted to the preservation and celebration of Scottish folk. As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Archie Fisher’s voice will resonate for generations to come, carried forward in the music and memories of those he touched.
