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 at Aberdeen 1954
Jim’s memories can be readhere 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.
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.
Alex M McIver (courtesy of Piping Press)
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.
Willie’s children Eileen and Alastair, advise me that his funeral will take place at Cardross Crematorium on Friday 16th 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:
Sorry to say that Willie McDonald (95) passed away on 7th September 2022, the day before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Willie at the 214 BB Reunion in 2013
His daughter Eileen advises:
“It’s with bittersweet sadness that I have to tell you and the ex members of the 214 that our father, William McDonald, beat the Queen by one day, slipping away peacefully to be reunited with the other Two Amigos early on 7 Sept 2022.”
‘The Three Amigos’
“He was in the Royal Alexandra in Paisley following a bad fall on 2 Sept, which seemingly put strain on his heart. Thankfully, my brother Alastair was over from Germany to give me a break, so Dad saw his son in his last few days and I came back to be with him too.”
“The Pipe Tunes of Alex McIver” still sits on the table beside his armchair, having been looked through many times.
“I frequently found him engrossed in it when I came into the living room. Thank you once again, Hector, for presenting him with his signed first edition.”
“It will remain a treasured memento in the family.”
“Once we have funeral arrangements in place, we will, of course, let you and the ex-members know.”
With best wishes
Eileen McDonald
I’m sure all Ex Members will join me in sending our condolences to the family at this time.
Willie a piper had played in Pipe Bands all of his life, including Rutherglen (along with Alex MacIver and Gus McDonald), Helensburgh & Clan Colquhoun Pipe Bands. He was also a regular attender of the Piping Club in Glasgow.
Willie featured in one of our Articles ‘214 Boys at War’. (Click here to view)
On the eve of the 2022 World Championships in Glasgow, the band has announced that Leading Drummer Gordon Brown is to retire after over 30 years service to the organisation.
Kerr McQuillan son of the 214BB Ex Members Treasurer (Stephen) has been announced as Gordon’s successor.
I’m sure the Ex Members will all remember Kerr after playing at a few of our Annual Reunions.
Gordon Brown & Kerr McQuillan at the Scottish Championship in Dumbarton 30th July 2022
On his new appointment, Kerr said:
Becoming the leading drummer of Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band has always been my dream. It is an opportunity that I am hugely excited for and I’m confident that the team we have across the entire Boghall organisation has the potential to achieve great things. I can’t wait to get started working with such a musically talented group where we all share the same drive and ambitions.
Kerr has big ‘Ghillie Brogues’ to fill as he takes over the role, following on from Gordon and his father Tom Brown MBE, two legends in pipe band drumming.
Brian Gilda the Chairman and MD of Peoples Ford summed it up well by saying:
The baton once more gets passed, in this instance to young Kerr, a long standing Band member and a prodigy of Gordon. His age probably belies his talent and musical skills but as one famous football manager once said if he’s good enough age doesn’t matter.
I am sure all Ex Members wish Kerr & the Band all the success for the future.
