Found not only in the Scottish Borders and present-day Dumfries and Galloway from earliest times, the Rae name was also to be found in the far-flung Highlands.
With broadsword and battle-axe in hand, many bearers of the name were present at pivotal events in the nation’s frequently turbulent history, while others – in a number of popular spelling variants of the name such as ‘Ray’ - have found fame and acclaim through decidedly more peaceful endeavours and pursuits.
In the world of contemporary music, Corinne Bailey Rae is the award-winning British singer and songwriter whose best-selling albums include her 2008 The Sea, while Johnnie Ray was the American singer, songwriter, pianist and recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame whose hits include his 1954 Alexander’s Ragtime Band and, from 1956, Who’s Sorry Now.
