MacLean is described by
AllMusic as "one of Scotland's premier singer-songwriters". His solo career started in 1981 and since then he has recorded numerous albums. He plays multiple instruments, including guitar, violin,
mandola,
viola,
bouzouki,
banjo, and
bass. He was also a singer and composer. MacLean composed "The Gael" (1990), which became the main theme to the 1992 film
The Last of the Mohicans. He also served as music director for
TAG Theatre Company's 1993 production of
A Scots Quair,
Rich Mullins,
Ronan Keating,
Paolo Nutini,
Amy Macdonald,
Kathy Mattea,
Frankie Miller,
Cara Dillon, and
Mary Black, who covered "Turning Away" (1991) for the soundtrack of the 2001 film
Angel Eyes. MacLean was the subject of the 1993
BBC documentary film
The Land: The Songs of Dougie MacLean. He has organised and performed in the
Perthshire Amber festival,
Birnam &
Dunkeld, alongside multiple performances at
Celtic Connections, Glasgow. MacLean founded the Dunkeld Records label and recording studio with his wife Jennifer in 1983. ==Other pursuits==