Once again, a huge thanks to everyone who suggested names for Scotland’s Greatest Ever Drummer through Facebook, Twitter and the comments section. The final five as selected by our contributors, and influenced by our readers, are Iain Bayne, James Hamilton, Ben Johnston, Ted Mckenna and Paul Thomson. The poll closes on Tuesday at midnight.

Sincere thanks also to our special guest contributors including Paul Carlin of Dananananaykroyd, John Disco of Bis, Craig Neale of Twin Atlantic, Jim Gellatly of Radio Scotland and Radio Magnetic, and Manda Rin. Sincere apologies to some of them and many of our readers if your favourite is missing from the final five. But getting it down to five was not an easy task.

Nevertheless, we hope you will cast your vote for Scotland’s Greatest Ever Drummer and help to decide who will join guitarist Stuart Adamson in Dear Scotland’s “greatest ever” supergroup. Next week, Alec will ask who is Scotland’s greatest ever bass player?

This poll will run for only one week, but as always, the comments section on these articles will remain open and unedited forever.

In alphabetical order, the Dear Scotland top five are:

Iain Bayne (Runrig)

“Whether it be behind the kit thumping out the thudding beat of a rocked-up Gaelic waulking song like “An Toll Dubh”, or leading the band at the front of stage with a fast-as-lightening solo snare-riff. Bayne has left me mesmorised everytime I’ve seen him over the years.” [James in comments]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejs7hFpSL4A

James Hamilton (Errors)

“James Hamilton from Errors is an AMAZING drummer. Errors, Dananananackroyd and not forgetting the mighty Multiplies. How you can mention half of these charlatans in the same breath as him is beyond me!” [Anonymous in comments]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u3ql3MGe6U

Ben Johnston (Biffy Clyro)

I’ve got a lot of time for drummers who can be a total powerhouse but also technically gifted. Your band is only as good as your drummer and Biffy Clyro basically have a stick of dynamite behind the kit! [Paul Carlin]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0ykZBn-tO8

Ted Mckenna (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band)

“His mix of power/touch/Rock and Roll and of course his big baw face make him hands down Best Scottish Drummer!!!” [Anonymous comment]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNwLxwZHMOw

Paul Thomson (Franz Ferdinand)

“‘Take Me Out’ came on and every man, woman and transvestite lifted their Calvin Klein covered asses from the plush sofas and boogied their NYC booties to that Glasgow indie beat.” [Alec Downie]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Y2XwVWnzo

Next week: Who is Scotland’s greatest ever bassist?

Photo Credit : Scottish Drumkit at Stephen Abernathy