This years invites have just been sent out by email.

Please reply ASAP to allow us to plan for meal numbers.

If you reply now we wont need to send you an actual postage paid letter.

Help save your Associations funds.

Many thanks

The Secretary

A new page has been added to the website

click here to see or go to the new menu tab on the website.

Wishing you and yours all the best for 2023

I received an email from Jim’s wife thanking us for the Christmas card and letting me know that he passed away on 5th of June 2022.

Just prior to lockdown Jim had discovered the 214 website and was in regular contact, giving me details of his time in the 214. Even though in his eighties he had no problem with modern technology.

Jim’s memories can be read here or going to the Memories tab in the menu at the top of this page.

It’s always sad hearing of an ex member passing away, especially at this time of year.

We all send our condolences to Maureen his wife and all the family.

I’ve just been notified that Stirling McMurchie’s wife Sheila (85), passed away last Sunday 9th October 2022 at home.

Her funeral is to be held on Friday 28th October 2022 – 1.30pm at Dalnottar Crematorium.

She had just returned after a month away in Canada and had attended a Milngavie Bowling Club event the evening before her passing.

I’m sure all Ex Members send their condolences to the family at this sad time.

I have been advised that on Wednesday 5th October 2022 at 2.15pm, Hector’s funeral will be held in Cardross Crematorium.

I’m sure those that can attend will be in their usual 214 attire.

Details & Directions can be found here.

Cardross Crematorium (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

Yesterday I received the sad news while on holiday that Hector Russell (77) had suddenly passed away on Saturday 24th September 2022.

I along with a good few were only just talking to him last week at Willie McDonald’s funeral, where he was updating me on an upcoming 214 project.

Hector will be greatly missed by all in the 214BB Ex Members Association, as well as by myself.

Thankfully once Hector got an idea he was like a dog with a bone, constantly badgering Ex Members for information.

This sterling work produced a massive amount of content for the benefit of all, which thankfully is available on this, our website.

Most recently in collaboration with The Kinloch Historical Society, Lewis, in bringing ‘The Pipe Tunes of Pipe Major Alex M MacIver to book form.

Robert Wallace has produced today’s Pipingpress article on Hector’s piping career which can be read here.

I’m sure you all join me in sending our condolences to Marlene his wife and the rest of the family at this sad time.

(Funeral details to be advised.)

As you may have heard or read, there is a book that has been published by the Kinloch Historical Society in Lewis. This is where Alex’ family originally comes from.

The book lays out the work that Hector Russell has compiled for us with the help of Janette Montague. The book has a lot of other historical work added regarding Alex, along with family photos and memoirs which you won’t have seen before.

The book has been reviewed by Barry Donaldson in Robert Wallace’s Piping Press website and can be read here.

The book is currently on sale via the Kinloch Historical Society’s website at £15.00 which can be found here.

As previously highlighted on these pages PM Roddy McLeod held a “Recital of Alex’ tunes” during the summer at the Community Hub in Balallan, Lewis.

My next news post will feature this.

Willie’s children Eileen and Alastair, advise me that his funeral will take place at Cardross Crematorium on Friday 16^th Sept 2022 at 2.15pm, with refreshments afterwards at the Cardross Inn.

Family and friends are all welcome at both places.

They realise that for some it will not be possible to attend in person and they warmly invite them to join in spirit by using the following Live Stream link on Friday afternoon:

 www.westreamitfunerals.co.uk/mcdonaldw

The stream will begin at 2:15pm on Friday 16th September 2022. Please follow the instructions on the screen to attend.

Both Eileen and Alastair are looking forward to sharing bright memories with you all on Friday.

Details of Crematorium can be found here.

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/cardross-crematorium