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A Most successful Annual Gathering was held in The Partick Burgh Hall on Friday 3rd March.
“The Gathering”
The President welcomed the audience and guests, and then introduced Professor Iain Campbell our chairman for the evening; his wife Frances accompanied him. Iain’s father was a sea Captain from Glendale in Skye, and his mother the well-known Medallist, Mary C McNiven from Portnahaven.
Iain recalled his early visits to Islay, with his mother and sister, during the school holidays. These visits built up his love for the island, the sea, and the friends he made. He made reference to ‘The good old days’, and wondered if they really were the good old days. The Island was an escape for him, then and now, Frances and Iain enjoy several visits a year, using the old family house as a base, to explore different parts of Islay, and meet and greet old friends.
After his speech, a highlight was when young Sarah Thompson presented Iain with a bouquet of flowers, and Frances with some whisky glasses. Everything was soon sorted out, and Sarah retired gracefully.
The concert commenced with the Islay Pipers, Pipe Major Andrew McCowan, juniors Sandy McLellan and Lindsay MacArthur, and the ever-youthful Duncan Heads, getting the feet tapping.
Pipe Major Andrew McCowan
Piper Duncan Heads
There was an excellent variety of songs to entertain us provided by:-
Medalists Alison Rapson and Archie McLean, and well known Islay singer, Iain McPherson.
Norma and Morag waiting in the wings.
On this special occasion, Morag sang Mairi’s Wedding, a tribute to Iain’s late mother, Mary C.
There was a special welcome for Fergie MacDonald and his band, 40 years after his first appearance at a GIA Gathering.
The platform party, listening to Fergie, and his band.
An excellent concert concluded with the singing of, Oidhche mhath leibh.
After the concert, many old friends met up. There was a special meeting of the principal winners of the 1971 Stirling Mod
The Bard, John Angus Macleod, Gold medallists, Alison Rapson and Seamus Campbell.
Among those present were:-
Duncan McDonald, secretary of the Mull and Iona, Karen Campbell, secretary of the Glasgow Skye, and Glenys McDonald.
While we were talking, the Gathering Dance had started at 10pm in The Oran Mor Hall. This was an excellent event, enjoyed by all, who danced to the music of Fergie MacDonald and his band.
Despite the weather, the turnout at the concert and dance was very good. Fergie had a difficult time, driving down from a BBC programme in Inverness, via his home at Acharacle,for the concert and got back to Acharacle after the dance at 6.30 am having had to contend with icy roads and snow.
The 200 Club
March winners, 1. Innes McLellan, 2. Peter Mackin, 3. Christine Mowatt.
April winners, 1. Alasdair Aitken, 2. Robert Ingram, 3. Flora Sim
We still need members and friends to join our 200 club, please do to help swell the funds for our 150th anniversary. An annual standing order for £12, or a monthly one for £1 is all it takes
Bye for now,
Alasdair.
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