Once again we had a successful 75th Annual Reunion Dinner at Victoria Park Bowling Club.

We were able to update the members present regarding the Centenary fund and all the goings on from where the many great donations came from.

You will get a full update when I get a chance to compose the various posts I need to do. especially:-

Centenary Fund ….

The sale of the bagpipes we had.

Victoria Park Benches

The Royal Garden Party

BB Ties

and anything else I no doubt haven’t had time to cover over the last while.

Regards

Alan

Sorry to inform you all that John MacDougall (81) passed away peacefully at home on the 18th March 2026.

John who was a former Head Teacher at Braidfield High School, was married to Georgina for 44 years.

John hadn’t been along to the reunion lately but was always in touch by email.

John’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 8th April 10.30am at Clydebank Crematorium, North Dalnottar, Clydebank G81 4SL

We send out our condolences to all of John’s family at these sad times.

As I’m about to head to Ian’s funeral at Glasgow Cathedral, I’m sure some of our members in faraway lands send their apologies.

Glasgow Cathedral has a streaming service that is held on YouTube.

Please use this link if you would like to see the live recorded service.

Glasgow Cathedral

Ian’s family have advised that the funeral will be held on

Friday 19th December 2025
13.30 at Glasgow Cathedral

15.30 at Dalnotter Crematorium, Clydebank.

Thereafter onto Windyhill Golf Club, Bearsden.

I’m sure a large 214 turnout (in their ties) would be appreciated by the family, amongst what I expect to be a greatly attended funeral.

I’m sorry to have to announce the passing of Ian McLellan BEM (88) this morning Wednesday 3rd December 2025, at his home in Bearsden.

Ian joined the company in 1948 after receiving 2 years chanter tuition at the hand of Alex Ibell.

He always promoted the 214 in its strongest light, as it had provided him with so much.

Having learned at the 214 this laid the foundations of his life to come.

A regular attender at the Annual Reunions Ian always had some great stories to tell and enjoyed meeting up with all the Ex Members young and old.

Ian was not only a 214 legend but a worldwide one and his life touched so many throughout the piping world, both as a piper and a person.

I have written more about Ian, which I will place on the website in the near future.

Funeral arrangements once clarified by Ian’s family, will be posted as soon as we know them.

Meanwhile I am sure all Ex Members join me in sending our condolences to the whole of Ian’s family at this sad time.

As most will know we launched a new tie at last year’s Centenary Civic reception.

This is available to buy for members who have missed out on getting one.

If any Ex Member would like to receive a tie(s) can you please contact the Secretary (Email, Text, WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Carrier pigeon, whatever suits you best.)

We can arrange to get your tie sent out and let you know the cost including postage and where to pay this.

The association has had to purchase these ties and we are looking to recoup our outlay, ties are charged at cost price.

A couple of international members have already indicated they would like to receive a tie.

We would like to send all orders out along with this year’s Christmas card.

The Secretary looks forward to hearing from those who are looking to purchase ‘their association tie’.

I am writing to inform you that Steven Hamilton (93) passed away on Monday 23rd June 2025.

Steven was with us at the top table of our recent Centenary celebrations last year.

As a young man leaving school he started working for Glasgow City Council and spent his entire working career there.

Initially as a clerk he worked up to become ‘The Town Clerk’ and ‘Chief Executive Officer’ of the city Council retiring around 30 years ago.

Bailie Hanif Raja (MBE) who was hosting the event on behalf of the Lord Provost and the City, remembered Steven from his younger days in the Council.

Steven’s funeral will be held at Clydebank Crematorium on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 at 3.30pm.

We send on our condolences to Steven’s family at this sad time.

I’m sure some 214 ties on the day would be welcomed to send off one of our oldest Ex-Members.

(Unfortunately I am unable to attend as I’m on holiday.)

Sorry to advise another of our elder members Norman Webster passed away last Sunday 20th April 2025 at the age of 94.

Norman a quiet gentleman and regular at all the reunions would sit with Neil MacFadyen.

Unfortunately over the last year or so his health and mobility declined after 93 years of a fit life.

Funeral service will be held at Barrhead Crematorium on Friday 2nd May 2025 at 12.00 noon.

Our thoughts go to his daughter Allison and all the family at this sad time.