Rab Noakes uses the phrase "fortifying myself", steering himself away from the terminology that gets used around cancer that you're "fighting" or "battling with" the disease (Cover story, Sunday Herald Life, September 13). More power to that elbow of yours, Rab. Sounds like the way to go.

I first saw Rab in the Dalriada Folk Club in the Ingledene Hotel in Ardrossan in 1969 or 1970: not sure of exact year but I was underage for the licensed premises and got away with it. Bill Nolan of the Vindscreen Vipers was the MC, I'm sure. I was sold on Rab's guitar style, own songs and fine voice and still am. We still see him when can and wherever the bus pass allows.

There's a cracker of a video on YouTube from The Old Grey Whistle Test in the early 1970s, Whispering Bob with a cheeky "hello" to Rab before performing Branch.

Keep on rocking Rab, thanks for the music of the past and for future songs. Looking forward to new album.

Dougie Sutherland

Milngavie