Time for another trip down memory lane - or a history lesson if you were a child of the 90s and beyond.
While we’ve taken a look at some of those memorable Scottish acts that permeated the airwaves and our eardrums during the decade of the 90s, we have heard you all loud and clear - what about something a little earlier?
Well, how about the 1980s?
A formative year for music, with the rise of new wave, post-punk, hip-hop and the tail end of the punk movement, a rather large number of musicians who cut their teeth as part of various local scenes in Scotland would go on to form several acts that we still herald to this day; from Shirley Manson’s early musical escapades before Garbage, through to the bands that ended up joining together to form Teenage Fanclub.
Here’s our 15 picks of bands from Scotland that formed or gained prominence throughout the 1980s, from old favourites to some even we had forgotten about.

5. The Big Dish (Glasgow)
Formed in Glasgow in the mid-1980s, The Big Dish were known for their melodic and sophisticated pop-rock sound. Led by the smooth vocals of Steven Lindsay, the band gained a loyal following and critical acclaim for their intricate arrangements and carefully crafted songwriting. They were a key part of the Scottish music scene that prized musicality and pop sensibilities, often drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Prefab Sprout for their polished approach. | Discogs

6. The Associates (Dundee)
This art-pop and post-punk band was formed in Dundee in 1979 by the charismatic vocalist Billy Mackenzie and guitarist Alan Rankine. The Associates were celebrated for their unique, avant-garde sound and theatrical flair, with Mackenzie’s incredible vocal range and eccentric stage presence making them one of the most unpredictable and exciting acts of the early 1980s. Their seminal album Sulk and hit singles like 'Party Fears Two' are considered a high watermark of the era. | Discogs

7. Altered Images (Glasgow)
With a distinctly post-punk and new wave sound, Altered Images were formed in Glasgow in 1979. Led by the energetic and charismatic frontwoman Clare Grogan, they became one of the biggest names of the era with a string of hit singles, including 'Happy Birthday' and 'Don’t Talk to Me About Love.' Their vibrant, catchy pop sound, often combined with darker lyrical themes, made them a defining act of the early 1980s British pop scene. | Steve Rapport/Getty Images

8. Big Country (Dunfermline, Fife)
Formed in Dunfermline, Fife, in 1981, Big Country is renowned for its distinctive, anthemic rock sound. The band’s unique style, which incorporated guitar effects to emulate the sound of traditional bagpipes, gave them a global signature with hits such as 'In a Big Country' and 'Fields of Fire.' | Dave Hogan/Getty Images

