Sadly, I can confirm that Jack McLean has passed away. He had been in failing health for a number of years, but still greatly enjoyed being out and about.
One of his former colleagues announced the news yesterday (28th Dec 2023) – “Some sad news for all old Herald hands. Jack McLean, the self-styled “Urban Voltaire”, died this morning in Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth hospital. He’d been ill for a while and, despite a heart attack and various other ailments, had studiously and typically ignored medical advice. Funeral arrangements when available. RIP Jack.”
There was a previous discussion on him in reads – https://theafterword.co.uk/jack-mclean-the-urban-voltaire/
Sorry to hear it. My parents used to take The Glasgow Herald when I lived at home, so I’d plenty of opportunities to read his column. Always interesting – as a Southsider myself I knew the geography – and usually funny. I knew he’d been unwell for a while.
RIP, Jack.
(PS: did they ever sack David Belcher and employ a music critic?😉)
I used to drive past Heraghty’s pub on my way home from work, would frequently spot Jack standing outside having a fag. His dress sense made him easy to spot in a crowd.
David Belcher, there’s a name from the past! Seem to remember he championed REM well before they were a household name, Teenage Fanclub too.
I was the proud owner and wearer of one of the “letter from Athelstaneford” t-shirts! Sadly, long gone…
Jack McLean played harmonica, and was happy to join the Beat Poets for a live recording of Dimples – 1989 or so ?