Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1954 – 2014 In order to compile a history of Gaelic Choir (1954-2014) Ross and Heritage Society is grateful to the following:

Hamish Menzies, Kirsteen Menzies and many members of DGC for supplying photographs and information.

Past editors of The Ross-shire Journal for faithfully recording events.

The staff of Dingwall Library who patiently provided microfiche reels of the newspaper for scrutiny.

RCHS has endeavoured to produce as accurate a history as possible and trusts that the public will be sympathetic if errors and/or omissions are found.

Mhairi Mackenzie November 2015

To contact the choir - www.dingwallgaelicchoir.co.uk [email protected]

Page 2 of 59 Table of Contents 1954-1964...... 6 1965-1974...... 9 1975-1984...... 14 1985-1994...... 18 1995-2004...... 24 2005-2014...... 29 2014 - the Choir’s 60th anniversary...... 45 POSTSCRIPT...... 47 Conductors...... 48 James Curr, LRAM, 1954 - 1964...... 48 Ewen Stewart 1964-1972...... 49 Hamish Menzies 1973 - 2007...... 50 Kirsteen Menzies 2008...... 51 Gaelic Tutors...... 52 Mod Gold Medalists...... 53 Kenny Ross...... 53 Alison Rapson...... 54 Kirsteen Menzies [see ‘DGC conductors’]...... 55 Jean Mackay...... 55 Kerrie Finlay...... 56 Steven Maciver...... 57 SOME MEMORIES ……...... 59 1955 - First Mod, in Aberdeen...... 59 Another Mod …...... 59 And one more Mod …...... 59

Page 3 of 59 DGC in Dingwall Town Hall 1955 Back row, l-r: James Curr, Duncan Macrae, Alaisair Fraser, Jackie Fraser, Donald Macleod, Calum, Smith, Ian Grant, Alistair Maclean, George Montgomery, Ted Disbury

Front row, l-r: Margaret Macritchie, June Robertson, Heather Maclean, Rita Ross, Mary Fraser, Cathie Mackenzie, Jean Maclean, Catriona Maclean, Catherine Lawson, Joan Lawrie, Susan Maclean

Page 4 of 59 DGC in Tulloch Castle 2014

Back Row, l-r: Will Campbell, Jim Howden, Steven Maciver, Jim Mackinnon, Ross Brindle, Tony Billington, Michael Paul, George Paul, Billy Mackenzie, Alex Mackay Second row, l-r: Fiona Fraser, Morven Mackenzie, Morven Macdonald, Kate Cameron, Ashleigh Bell, Ruth James, Noelle Murphy, ? ? Norma Christie, Anna Cathcart, Christine Matheson Anna Macnaughton Front row, l-r: Jean Mackay, Jan Wilson, Alison Matheson, Kerrie Finlay, Kirsteen Menzies, Hamish Menzies, Marlene Yule, Phemie Cameron, Mairi Rigby, Karen Cormack

Page 5 of 59 1954-1964

For 50 years prior to 1954 there had been many attempts to form a Gaelic Choir in Dingwall, some of which began with great enthusiasm only to fade away in exceptional circumstances, such as two World Wars when members would have been on active service or involved in war work, and others perhaps through lack of fervour for Gaelic language and music.

After the appearance of an advert inviting those interested in forming a Gaelic Choir to hand in their names to Tom Maciver, further education officer, the birth of the present Dingwall Gaelic Choir followed rapidly with the first practice in the Old Academy on Friday 22 October 1954 under James Curr, county music organiser, as conductor, and Alistair Fraser, headmaster of Conon school, as Gaelic tutor.

Aberdeen 1954

The choir’s first foray into National Mod events was in Aberdeen in 1955 when they won the Margrat Duncan trophy competing against eight choirs and with four marks ahead of their nearest rivals, Edinburgh. The icing on the cake was the presentation of the trophy by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother with Princess Margaret accompanying her.

Page 6 of 59 In 1956, at Largs, the Choir repeated their success in the Margrat Duncan trophy, a competition which attracted 12 rival choirs. During the competition the town hall clock struck 4.00 pm as the Choir was singing the last verse. The adjudicator requested a repeat of the song!

Again, in 1957, at the Mod, the Choir secured the Margrat Duncan trophy but were not placed in the competition at the Mod of 1958, although members Catriona Maclean and Kenny Ross entered for the Learners’ Medal.

Success followed in the Margrat Duncan competition in 1959 (Dundee) and 1960 (Edinburgh), when the Choir gained the John MacNicol memorial trophy for best Gaelic. Kenny Ross was runner-up in the Silver Medal competition and Jean Maclean was 3rd in the Waulking song competition.

Dundee 1959

Page 7 of 59 Mod in 1961 saw Kenny Ross win the Gold Medal in the Nova Scotia competition, against 40 competitors. The Margrat Duncan trophy was secured again with the Choir comprising 13 men, 13 women and on the 13th October!

Lack of success in the Oban Mod of 1962 was attributed to several lady members having left the district but the Choir did gain the John MacNicol trophy for highest marks in Gaelic. Kenny Ross was awarded the Dr John Cameron memorial quaich for the highest marks in the senior learners’ oral competition and followed this by reaching third place in the Gold Medal competition at the Perth Mod of 1963 when the Choir once more gained the Margrat Duncan trophy.

Aberdeen Mod of 1964 brought victory to Kenny Ross who achieved his goal of the Gold Medal with 12 marks ahead of the runner-up. DGC had entered the Lovat and Tullibardine competition but did not feature in the first three.

Aberdeen 1964

Page 8 of 59 1965-1974

The Choir was not represented at the Largs Mod of 1965 owing to the recent illness of James Curr and insufficient practices. Kenny Ross attended the Mod and arranged to travel south with London Gaelic Choir in order to commence training as an opera singer in the Capital.

In September 1966 Hamish Menzies left to take up employment with the Hydro-Electric Board in Dingwall. The following month, at the Mod in Inverness which was the first to be televised, DGC emerged second in the Margrat Duncan competition.

At the Glasgow Mod of 1967, James Curr having retired as county music organiser and conductor of DGC, the new conductor, Ewen Stewart, and Gaelic tutor Donald Macleod, secured the Margrat Duncan and John MacNicol trophies by 19 points ahead of Celtic Choir. The duo of Ewen Stewart and Donald Macleod gained the Margrat Duncan Trophy in 1968 (Dunoon), being second at Aviemore in 1969, although they won the John MacNicol trophy.

DGC with Ewen Stewart at Aviemore, 1969.

For the 10th time - at Oban in 1970 - the Choir won the Margrat Duncan trophy.

Page 9 of 59 As in Aberdeen in 1964, the Mod in Stirling in 1971 saw the Gold Medal being won by a choir member - this time Alison Rapson - but there was no glory for Dingwall Gaelic Choir in the Margret Duncan competition.

Alison and fellow Gold Medal winner, Seumas Campbell.

The Inverness Mod of 1972 brought Dingwall victory in the Margrat Duncan competition once more, although on this occasion it was Dingwall Academy senior Gaelic choir under Connie Roxburgh as conductor, being three points ahead of Dundee Gaelic Music Association. However, DGC were joint winners of the John MacNicol trophy. Dingwall Academy Choir gained the Donald W McIsaac trophy at Ayr the following year but DGC, although competing, was not placed.

Page 10 of 59 And here is the Dingwall Academy Senior Gaelic Choir with their conductor, Connie Roxburgh, who is holding the trophy. Three of the school's teachers who accompanied the pupils to the Mod are in the front row, on Mrs Roxburgh's left, with Mrs Ellen Macleod being identified as the first of the three.

Pupil Catherine Macbeath is first left in front row and continues her love of Gaelic music as Mrs Kate Cameron, a member of Dingwall Gaelic Choir some forty years later! [Photograph courtesy of Norman and Connie Roxburgh.]

Dundee Mod in 1974 was the baptism of Hamish Menzies as the newly-appointed conductor of DGC, in succession to Ewen Stewart, with Alistair Maclean as Gaelic tutor, and they brought the Margrat Duncan trophy back to Dingwall for the eleventh time. A first-time entry in the Esme Smyth trophy for Ladies’ Choirs secured third place.

Dundee 1974

Page 11 of 59 Dundee 1974.

Page 12 of 59 Dundee 1974 - Alistair Maclean and Hamish Menzies with the Margrat Duncan Trophy.

And a delighted Hamish Menzies with the trophy.

Page 13 of 59 1975-1984

At the Mod in 1975 DGC won the Margrat Duncan trophy for the 12th time out of eighteen attempts and sang in the televised Grand Concert.

In November of that year the Choir held a dinner-dance in the National Hotel to celebrate their 21st birthday. There was a photographic display of the Choir over the years, including the DGC which won the Lovat and Tullibardine at Dundee in 1913. The contributions of Gaelic tutors Alistair Fraser, Donald Macleod, Murdo Matheson, Hector Mackenzie and Alistair Maclean were noted. The Margrat Duncan trophy was also on display. Provost Alex Macrae was guest speaker and the reply was given by Hamish Menzies. In a speech Ewen Stewart recalled eight happy years with the Choir, although he had taken over in 1964 supposedly for one year!

Ewen Stewart

Page 14 of 59 Farewell to Ewen Stewart

As the 1977 Mod was held in Golspie, Hamish Menzies may have decided that his home county was an appropriate place for his first foray into the Lovat and Tullibardine competition and there was delight in his adopted county, Ross-shire, when the much-coveted trophy was won - and by a 7 points margin. The collection of silverware included the Weekly Scotsman Quaich for Gaelic and the Oban Times salver for music plus the Malcolm G McCallum baton. Not to be outdone, the Ladies’ choir brought home the Esme Smythe shield.

Page 15 of 59 Golspie 1977

Oban, in 1978, saw a win in the Puirt a beul and the Esme Smythe competition plus the Weekly Scotsman Quaich.

Once more, in 1979 saw the ladies win the Esme Smythe trophy.

From 1980 to 1983 (Perth/Fort William/Skye/) no newspaper reports seem to be available.

At the Mod in Inverness in 1984 the Choir was back in form, winning the Lovat and Tullibardine trophy plus the Oban Times salver, Malcolm G McCallum baton and, once again, the Esme Smythe trophy. Success was honoured by a reception given by Ross and Cromarty District Council.

Page 16 of 59 Inverness 1984

Inverness 1984

Page 17 of 59 1985-1994

Again there is a dearth of newspaper coverage for 1985 and 1986, although in the former year the Choir participated in a special Songs of Praise in Ferintosh Church to honour James Curr’s 70 years as an organist.

And James Curr was allowed one final time as conductor of DGC.

Back in winning form in 1987 the Choir brought the Lovat and Tullibardine trophy to Dingwall, plus the Rev William Macdonald trophy for Gaelic, J Norman MacConnochie tropy for music, the Malcolm G. McCallum baton, and the Esme Smythe trophy. Kirsteen Menzies won the Roderick B Munro trophy for 12-14 girls’solo and shared the Donald Ross memorial trophy with Judith Mann for 13-16 girls’ duet. Before this Mod a legacy from former member Ted Disbury was used to purchase silver brooches for the ladies and ties for the men.

In the Glasgow Mod 1988 the Choir gained the Rev William Macdonald and J Norman MacConnochie trophies, with the ladies triumphant in the Esme Smythe competition once more and the Alex Macarthur prize for Gaelic. Male voices won the Cor Meibion Bro Glyndwr trophy plus the Mull and Iona shield, while Kirsteen Menzies won the James C MacPhee memorial medal for girls’ solo 14-16. The Choir celebrated by holding a dinner-dance later that month.

Page 18 of 59 Glasgow 1988

At the Stornoway Mod 1989 the Choir did not feature prominently in the prize-list, although Kirsteen with fellow vocalist Judith Mann won the 16-18 duet competition. James Curr, now 89, attended as a visitor. Earlier, in May, the Choir participated in a Radio broadcast and during the year released a cassette recording entitled Gaels in Harmony.

No outstanding success in the Govan Mod of 1990 although the Choir secured the Weekly Scotsman Quaich and Kirsteen and Judith repeated their success of the previous year.

Inside Dingwall Town Hall 1991 [photo courtesy of the North Star]

Page 19 of 59 And outside Dingwall Town Hall, 1991

The year 1991 was a highlight for Dingwall as the National Mod returned for the first time since 1931. Choir members were included in the enthusiastic local committee and pulled out all stops to ensure that every area of organisation was covered, including securing a visit by Prince Charles (or Duke of Rothesay in Scotland). Once more, the Choir gained the J Norman MacConnochie and Rev William Macdonald trophies, plus the Greenock Gaelic Choir trophy for Puirt a beul. This year was the swansong of Alistair Maclean who retired as Gaelic Tutor and was succeeded by Angus Macphee. On the final Saturday, the instigation of Alison (Rapson) Matheson saw the first-ever performance of the massed choirs outside the Town Hall, this time conducted by Hamish Menzies, an occasion perhaps prompted by the Choir’s participation in massed choirs’ singing in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, in March of that year?

Page 20 of 59 [Newspaper unknown]

The Oban Mod of 1992 resulted in a solitary trophy being brought to Dingwall in the form of the Weekly Scotsman quaich. The Choir has always been conscious of a role in fund-raising for various charities and this year supported a Red Cross appeal by singing in the Eastgate Centre in Inverness. An invitation to compete in the Vancouver Mod of 1993 brought with it the prospect of raising £20,000 for air-fares and so the Choir embarked on such schemes as ceilidhs, fashion shows, curry evenings, coffee mornings, sponsored walks etc.

New Year 1993 ushered in an exhausting year for the Choir prior to the Airdrie Mod when Kirsteen won the Silver Pendant competition. Fund-raising continued with a Burns Supper in January but the Choir found time to sing at Glasgow Gaelic Choir centenary concert. In May the Choir left for Vancouver, sporting light grey jerseys with Ross District Council crest, donated by the latter, and music cases gifted by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise. The flight to Toronto included the Strath (Broadford) Gaelic Choir and an in-flight ceilidh! From Toronto they flew to Vancouver where they were welcomed by ex-Dingwallian Katherine Montgomery (nee Mackay). The city and Vancouver Island were the focus of tours on subsequent days, while an evening concert in the Scottish Cultural Centre included the Choir, soloists and accordion player Hamish Polson. The serious business began with the official opening of the Vancouver Mod, at which Strath Choir and Dingwall Choir presented trophies for highest marks in Gaelic. A free day from competing led the Choir to visit the USA where border Customs demanded a song, followed by an impromptu ceilidh! Competition day saw the Choir gain third place in four-part harmony and first place in Puirt a beul - with Dingwall and Strath winning each other’s trophy for highest marks in Gaelic! No trophy won could be removed from Canada. At the final concert a Glass bowl and silver quaich, donated by Regional Council, were presented to Vancouver Mod Committee. On their last day in Canada the Choir visited Capliano Park and had to sing before gaining admission, a situation repeated at the airport as they left for home.

Page 21 of 59 On their return.

Hamish Menzies (1993?)

Page 22 of 59 Back to normal in 1994 with attendance at the Dunoon Mod and first in the Peurt a beul. On the local front Hamish Menzies was awarded a Ross and Cromarty District Council Civic Award for services to Music. This was the year of the Choir’s 40th anniversary and members celebrated by holding a dinner-dance in Drumossie Hotel. Part of Hamish’s speech is worth reproducing:

"What is a choir? It is a puzzling thing. Week after week, month after month, year after year sitting at rehearsals and receiving instruction on every aspect of singing: tone production, phrasing technique, interpretation, to sing soft, to sing loud, to interpret the composer and the bard’s emotions. In short, to be artistic. Keep them bunched together and put at their head someone who has the capacity to convey quickly and graphically his/her ideas and the choir will respond - if not 100% at least well enough to earn the reputation of being an artistic body."

In December the Choir participated in the first joint carol service to be held in Dingwall Town Hall by churches in the town - a tradition which has continued.

Page 23 of 59 1995-2004

A return to Golspie for the 1995 Mod did not bring a repeat of 1977 in the Lovat and Tullibardine competition, although they secured first in each of the Male Voice and Puirt a beul.

In good form at Blairgowrie 1996 the Choir secured the Lovat and Tullibardine once more. Ross and Cromarty District Council awarded them a civic reception the following month and the year finished with the now-customary dinner-dance.

Inverness 1997 saw the Choir win first in Male Voice and Puirt a beul. Personal success for Kirsteen Menzies was the Curtis Craig Memorial Trophy at Inverness Music Festival.

Although the Choir did not shine in the Mod of 1998, Kirsteen Menzies was outstanding at the Inverness Music Festival when she received the highest-ever mark (97) for soprano vocal. Not to be outdone, Hamish Menzies received a silver baton from the Choir in recognition of 25 years as conductor and the Rotary Community Service Award for Music. Fund-raising for charity through the annual concert resulted in donations to British Heart Foundation, Puffin Pool and Macmillan Nurses.

A lean time at the Mod of 1999 but earlier, after a gap of five years, the Choir had revived its annual Burns Supper.

The Millennium Mod in Dunoon gave the Choir success in Puirt a beul and the Esme Smythe competition. In May the Choir gave its services in a concert in Castle Street Church for the Millennium Bursary.

Although the Choir did not participate in the Stornoway Mod of 2001 due to lack of suitable accommodation for all members, Kerrie Finlay attended and won the Silver Pendant competition. However, at Inverness Provincial Mod they won the main competition and had success at the Isle of Mull Mod in mixed choirs and Puirt a beul, with Kerrie Finlay and Sandy Thomson each winning a Silver Salver. The Choir also collaborated in a recording of Lasair Dhe in Inverness Cathedral with Inverness and Nairn Gaelic Choirs and the group Cliar. This had been performed earlier in Glasgow Cathedral and Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, as a celebration of Gaelic spiritual music. Another contribution to the musical life of the community was in Dingwall St Clement’s Church on the occasion of the celebration of the church’s 200th anniversary. The year had begun with a Burns Supper and continued with a concert in April when the ladies had a first wearing of skirts in Menzies in honour of Hamish. Proceeds from the concert were divided between RNLI and the trip to Vancouver Mod.

Page 24 of 59 Concert in Dingwall Town Hall in April 2001

The latter was the journey of the year and, against competition from Lochs, Stirling, Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle Gaelic Choirs, Dingwall won four-part harmony, Puirt a beul, and the highest mark for each of music and Gaelic. Kerrie Finlay and Michael Paul won all their competitions as did John Vass for storytelling. The Choir attended church on Sunday and sang French with a precentor. Their hosts, Vancouver Choir, gave the Choir a splendid buffet one evening the Choir responded with a Highland concert including soloists and “Dingwall Scottish Dance Band” comprising Christine Matheson, Hamish Polson and James Matheson - after one practice! At a local store Kirsteen Menzies and Alison Matheson sang Pie Jesu and were offered a job at any time! All in all, an exhausting year for the Choir.

Largs Mod 2002 was outstanding. Kirsteen Menzies won the Gold Medal and then, as Hamish had earlier had a heart operation, conducted the Choir to win the Lovat and Tullibardine trophy. On returning to Dingwall the Choir was piped up High Street to a buffet and celebratory drinks. Earlier, the concert in May, devoted to raising money for the National Spondylitis Society, saw the issue of the Choir’s first CD, Going Home.

Page 25 of 59 Kirsteen Menzies

The Choir returned from Oban Mod 2003 over-burdened with silverware! Trophies included the J Norman McConochie, Hector Russell dirk, Greenock Gaelic Choir cup, Colin G Sangster memorial baton, Oban Times silver salver, Esme Smythe trophy, Donald U Johnstone memorial Quaich, Mull and Iona shield, Glyndwr trophy and Glen Ballachulish trophy. At Invernes Provincial Mod the Choir won choral harmony and Puirt a beul. The concert in May raised money for Highland Heartbeat. Kirsteen accepted an invitation to sing at a Mod in Lingonier, USA, and released her first CD, Oran A’ Chalmain.

Oban 2003 [newspaper unknown]

Perth Mod of 2004 resulted in another win of the Lovat and Tullibardine trophy with Hamish as conductor, including the Weekly Scotsman Quaich and M G McCallum silver baton. Not to be outdone, Kirsteen and Male Voices secured the Mull and Iona shield, the Glen Ballachulish trophy

Page 26 of 59 and Hector Russell dirk. Earlier, at the Aberfeldy Mod (June) the choir won the four-part harmony competition and choral and mouth music competitions at Inverness Provincial Mod. This was the year of the Choir’s 50th anniversary, celebrated with a Burns Supper in the National Hotel (January), the Glasgow Islay Choir’s annual concert (February), participating in Cuirm nan Coisirean at (April), annual concert (May) in aid of Ronald McDonald House, Yorkhill Hospital (raising £1100, with half each to the charity and the choir), a 50th anniversary exhibition in Dingwall Museum (June) and ending with an anniversary party in Spa Pavilion (November), joined by choirs from Aberfeldy, Lairg, Melvich, Aberdeen and Glasgow Islay. All in all, an exhausting year!

Perth Mod [newspaper unknown]

Page 27 of 59 50th birthday celebration. l-r: Hamish Menzies (conductor); Councillor Margaret Paterson; Uisdean Macrae (Gaelic tutor); Sarah and Charles Kennedy, MP; Alison Matheson (president); Murdina Macrae; Donna Macleod (secretary).

Page 28 of 59 2005-2014

Competing in Stornoway Mod of 2005 resulted in modest success - fourth equal in Puirt a beul. The annual concert was in aid of Crossroads Care which gained £500 from the evening. This year saw the beginning of a regular association with the Glasgow Phoenix Choir in the form of participation in two concerts in that city. When the Phoenix Choir gave a concert in Dingwall in September DGC made a guest appearance.

Reports and photographs of subsequent appearances with the Phoenix Choir are difficult to source and so RCHS asked Hamish Menzies to write a brief history.

“Our connection with the Phoenix Choir came through a telephone call from their PR, Mr John Blue, in February 2005 inviting Dingwall Gaelic Choir to sing with them as part of their Highland Tour, the first concert being in Dingwall Town Hall on 29 May 2005. The conductor of the Phoenix Choir, Marilyn J Smith, was my daughter Kirsteen’s vocal tutor at the RSAMD in Glasgow. At the reception in the evening, Mr Blue asked if DGC would go down to Glasgow to take part in the Glasgow West End Music Festival with the Phoenix Choir, to which we agreed. In June 2006 we sang at two concerts, at Moncrieff Parish Church in East Kilbride, in Hillhead Parish Church, and at a Sunday morning service in St John’s Parish Church in Renfield Street. A weekend of music-making, fun and fellowship, and we have remained friends ever since.

“As part of Dingwall Gaelic Choir’s 60th Anniversary we were invited to go to Glasgow as guests in June 2014. In our honour the Phoenix Choir learned two Gaelic songs, Athchuinge (Invocation) and Psalm 65, Tha Ann An Sion Feathamh Ort (Praise Waits for Thee in Sion) to the old Gaelic psalm tune French. Kirsteen conducted Athchuinge and I the psalm. It was a very moving experience when the two choirs of different cultures made music. We sang in Moncrieff Parish Church, East Kilbride, Govan Old Parish Church and Largs Parish Church. In September 2014 the Phoenix Choir came to to be with us for our 60th Anniversary.”

Page 29 of 59 Painting entitled The Three Conductors (Hamish Menzies, Kirsteen Menzies and Marilyn J Smith) presented by The Phoenix Choir to Dingwall Gaelic Choir during the 60th anniversary concert in The Pavilion, Strathpeffer. [Photograph courtesy of Kirsteen and Jamie Maclennan]

The only first place at the Dunoon Mod of 2006 was in the Esme Smythe competition. At the beginning of the year the biennial Burns Supper took place.

Mixed fortune in the main competitions at Fort William Mod of 2007 with a first in the Esme Smythe, although Jean Mackay won the Gold Medal and Kerrie Finlay won the Oban Times Gold Medal. In March, as part of Highland 2007, the Choir performed in the Old High Church, Inverness, in support of their organ fund and, in August, participated in a Service of Worship in Castle Street Church, Dingwall. Hamish Menzies retired as conductor - “It (DGC) has been a part of my life for 40 years now, 34 of these as conductor, and it has been nothing short of an honour” - and is succeeded by Kirsteen. A buffet-dance was held in Strathpeffer Pavilion in December in

Page 30 of 59 honour of Hamish and the Choir adopted Menzies tartan (first worn at Vancouver Mod in 2001) as a tribute to Hamish.

Jean Mackay

The woman behind the man - Janet Menzies (second right)

Page 31 of 59 Yet another unknown newspaper but looks like Ross-shire Journal.

Falkirk 2008 was the climax of another outstanding year with the Choir back in form to win the Lovat and Tullibardine, Rev W Macdonald Quaich, J Norman McConochie trophy, Donald U Johnstone trophy, Malcolm G McCallum baton, and Esme Smythe trophy, with Kerrie Finlay winning the Gold Medal. During the year Hamish Menzies attended a dinner and concert to celebrate Kenny Thomson’s 25 years with Glasgow Gaelic Music Association. In September Hamish was honoured by becoming a Freeman or Ross and Cromarty at a ceremony in Tulloch Castle Hotel.

Page 32 of 59 Kerrie Finlay

Still on a winning streak at Oban 2009, the Choir secured the Lovat and Tullibardine, the Oban Times salver, Malcolm G. McCallum baton, Esme Smythe trophy and Donald U Johnstone trophy. Another outstanding success was that of Steven Maciver winning the Mod Gold Medal. This was the year of the biennial Burns Supper and the annual concert in May raised money for Multiple Sclerosis. Charities supported previously include RNLI, Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool, Highland

Steven Maciver

Page 33 of 59 Hospice, Yorkhill Hospital, Spondylitis Society, Ross Memorial Hospital. In August the Choir participated in Castle Street Church centenary celebration Songs of Praise.

Yet another charity supported by DGC.

Thurso Mod of 2010 brought no major trophy, although the Choir were winners at Inverness Provincial Mod. The annual concert was in aid of Sight Action. In June, Freeman Hamish officially opened Dingwall’s revamped High Street following £900,000 works.

Off to Stornoway Mod 2011, the Choir returned with the Lovat and Tullibardine, Malcolm G McCallum baton, J Norman McConochie trophy, and the Donald Thomson Memorial Quaich to Gaelic tutor Uisdean Macrae. Earlier in the year, the Choir repeated their previous year’s success at Inverness Provincial Mod. Ever practical, the Choir raised funds through bag-packing in a local supermarket and carol singing in the same. This year saw Alison (Rapson) Matheson’s 40th year as a member of DGC.

Page 34 of 59 Back from Stornoway - a very delighted Menzies family.

Page 35 of 59 40 not out!

Carol singing

Page 36 of 59 Not forgetting the Burns Supper.

Back to Dunoon for the 2012 Mod and back to Dingwall with the Lovat and Tullibardine, Malcolm G McCallum baton, Weekly Scotsman Quaich, Donald J MacAskill trophy, Oban Times silver salver, J Norman MacCononchie trophy, and Donald Thomson Quaich once more for Gaelic tutor Uisdean Macrae. Finlay MacLennan (son of Kirsteen and Jamie) was second in the Phemie Wilson memorial trophy for children age 5-6. Highland Council’s local councillors hosted a reception for the Choir and presented an engraved Quaich. The annual concert in May raised £700 for a proposed new ward for children in and held their customary pre-Mod ceilidh in September. During the latter month the Choir made a guest appearance with Glasgow Phoenix Choir in Strathpeffer Pavilion and ended the year by performing in BBC Alba’s live ceilidh from Achnagairn House.

Page 37 of 59 Hamish still in action 2012

Kirsteen with Uisdean Macrae, Gaelic Tutor, and that very important trophy.

Page 38 of 59 Male voices 2012

And the 2012 winning choir.

Page 39 of 59 Highland Council’s reception for the Choir

The silverware on display in Dingwall Museum

Page 40 of 59 It was a cold night at Achnagairn House!

Page 41 of 59 Paisley Mod 2013 saw modest placing in the major competitions but the Male Voice triumphed and the Choir came home with the J Norman MacConochie trophy, Mull and Iona shield, Hector Russell dirk, Martin Mackay memorial prize and Glen Ballachulish trophy. Other activities during the year included the biennial Burns Supper, the annual concert with proceeds to Maggie’s Centre at Raigmore Hospital. Another “first” for the Choir was supporting the Trinidad Steel Band at their concert in Castle Street Church, Dingwall, with all proceeds going to the Steel Band.

Burns Supper 2013

2013 choir

Page 42 of 59 Male voice 2013

Yet another trophy 2013

Page 43 of 59 Mo Chreach l-r: Steven Maciver, Ross Brindle, Kirsteen Menzies, Jean Mackay, Marlene Rapson Yule

Mo Chreach in action.

Page 44 of 59 2014 - the Choir’s 60th anniversary

Celebrations began with a Burns Supper in the National Hotel in January, followed by a 60th anniversary concert in the Pavilion, Strathpeffer, in March, with guests including Alistair and Jean MacLean (founder members) and Inez Nisbet (daughter of founder conductor James Curr). At this concert the Choir took the opportunity to launch their latest CD, Cabar Feidh. The Choir journeyed to Glasgow in June to participate in two concerts with the Glasgow Phoenix Choir, and the latter returned the compliment in September when DGC were their guests at a concert in Strathpeffer Pavilion which included a programme where the Phoenix Choir joined in the Gaelic psalm tune French and Athchuinge - all this in the day after DGC’s pre-Mod ceilidh! At the concert, to commemorate their association with DGC, the Phoenix Choir presented a painting by one of their members, entitled “The Three Conductors”. The National Mod, in Inverness, meant a short journey across for the Choir and resulted in 3rd in Lovat and Tullibardine, 2nd in Esme Smythe, 3rd in Mull and Iona shield and 4th in Puirt a beul. Ah, well, you can't win every time! All concerned finished the anniversary year with a dinner-dance in the Hotel in November.

Burns Supper 2014

Page 45 of 59 The CD

60th anniversary display in Dingwall Museum.

Page 46 of 59 POSTSCRIPT

This display, in Dingwall Museum windows in February 2017, shows the trophies won by DGC at the 2016 Mod and is indicative of the standard achieved by the choir not just in one year but over several decades. [Photos RCHS]

Page 47 of 59 Conductors

James Curr, LRAM, 1954 - 1964

Same night, conducting his greatly loved DGC.

James Curr was the Gareth Malone of his day! Appointed in 1947 as County Music Organiser, he was responsible for the furtherance of the subject in the local authority comprising the County of Ross and Cromarty and the Island of Lewis.

He was a man of energy and enthusiasm, and a fervent advocate of choral music. Through his efforts choirs were quickly established in towns and villages from east to west of the County and his Dingwall Mixed Voice Choir regularly performed oratorio and secular concerts featuring professional soloists from the world of classical music.

Born in Stonehouse on 6 February 1900, his early education was in the village school, but Friday afternoons were for music, using only modulator and tuning forks! At age 11 the family moved to Larkhall and, when his father was appointed beadle in St Machar’s Church, James began his lifetime love of the pipe organ.

Page 48 of 59 His professional studies were interrupted between 1917-1919 when he served in France with the Highland Light Infantry, but post-War he embarked on a musical career. Travelling to London for a singing exam, he found his examiner to be the celebrated and formidable Sir Thomas Beecham who gave him only a few minutes to study several pages of sight reading, which James sang without difficulty, having mentally transposed the piece into his favourite sol-fa! The final question: What is chin resonance? “There’s no such term”, replied James. Sir Thomas was greatly impressed because all other candidates had “flannelled” their way through an explanation!

By the time he obtained his teaching qualification he was married and his first teaching post was in a primary school in Motherwell for one year - voluntary, no pay! He secured a post as music teacher in Larkhall Academy where he remained until appointed County Music Organiser in 1947.

James Curr recognised the importance of Gaelic choral music in Scottish culture and put it on a firm foothold by founding, on 22 October 1954, the Dingwall Gaelic Choir which throughout the subsequent 60 years has achieved the aims and success he desired for it and for the Gaelic language.

Ewen Stewart 1964-1972

Ewen Stewart graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal

Ewen Stewart 1964-1972 Conservatoire), specialising in choral music. When he embarked on being conductor of DGC, he was principal teacher of Music in Academy. He was also conductor of The

Page 49 of 59 Invergordon Singers and initiated the Invergordon Arts Society which, for many years, attracted well-known musicians and soloists to their regular concerts.

Hamish Menzies 1973 - 2007

Hamish Menzies 1973 - 2007

Hamish hails from Brora, Sutherland, and came to Ross-shire in 1966, joining Dingwall Gaelic Choir as a young tenor. His talents were soon recognised and he took over the leadership of the choir in 1973. When the choir made its debut performance in the Lovat and Tullibardine competition at the East Sutherland National Mod in 1977, Hamish was presented with the much- coveted trophy, and the Choir continued with immense success in this competition for the remainder of his thirty-four years as conductor.

Hamish has continued to conduct the Dingwall Ladies’ Choir since his retiral in 2007, thus making him the longest serving conductor of Gaelic Choirs in Gaeldom. His outstanding musicianship and dedication to the Gaelic culture were recognised in 2008 when he was honoured as a Freeman of Ross and Cromarty.

Page 50 of 59 Kirsteen Menzies 2008

Kirsteen Menzies 2008

Kirsteen is from Dingwall and is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where she studied voice under Marilyn J. Smith, conductor of the Glasgow Phoenix Choir. She began her teaching career travelling around nine primary schools in Ross-shire before taking up her post as Teacher of Music in Dingwall Academy ten years ago.

Kirsteen began singing at Local and National Mods at the age of eight, and enjoyed success in both solo and duet competitions as a youngster. She won the James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal for Junior Learners when she was fifteen, and went on to be awarded the Silver Pendant for Senior Learners when she was nineteen.

The highlight of Kirsteen’s solo career was winning the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod in Largs in 2002, the same year in which she conducted Dingwall Gaelic Choir for the first time in place of her father, who was suffering from ill health at the time. The choir won the prestigious Lovat and Tullibardine Shield at this Mod, performing a rousing version of Cabar Feidh. Kirsteen has been a committed member of Dingwall Gaelic Choir for twenty years, and has conducted the Male Voice Choir since 1996. She took over the baton from her father Hamish in 2007, and has continued to share many successes with the Choir.

Page 51 of 59 Gaelic Tutors

Alistair Fraser 1954 - 1965 Donald Macleod, Murdo Matheson, Hector Mackenzie 1966 - 1973 Alistair Maclean 1974 - 1991 Angus Macphee 1992 - 2000 Uisdean Macrae 2001 - 2013 Steven Maciver 2014 -

Page 52 of 59 Mod Gold Medalists

Kenny Ross

Kenny Ross in 1964

Kenny was born and brought up in the Heights of Brae, near Dingwall. On leaving Dingwall Academy, Kenny worked in the County Collector’s office in Dingwall. He joined Dingwall Gaelic Choir at the age of 16, experiencing his first National Mod with them in Inverness in 1957 Thereafter he studied Gaelic under the guidance of choir tutors Donald Macleod and Alistair Fraser, and music under James Curr, county music organiser and conductor of DGC. In 1964 he won the Mod Gold Medal in Aberdeen.

In 1966 Kenny won a scholarship to study singing at the London Opera Centre and after completing his studies he sang in theatres all over Europe. He then joined the Mannheim Opera Company and was with them until he retired. During his retirement Kenny taught and gave concerts and lectures on Lieder, Robert Burns and Gaelic songs. He also gave much of his time to charity work.

He had a wonderful sense of humour and a prodigious memory, with a fund of stories about his school days in the Heights. He strove for perfection in his singing and, despite all the praise heaped on him, he thought always that he “could have done better”. Kenny died suddenly on 30 June 2010 while walking with friends in Slovakia. [Information supplied by Jean Maclean.]

Page 53 of 59 Alison Rapson

Alison Rapson - Stirling 1971

Alison was born and brought up in Helmsdale, Sutherland, where she was encouraged to sing from an early age. She owes much of her success to her non-Gaelic speaking parents, especially her mother, who spent a great deal of time tutoring young singers in the area. The family home was one where music had a special place with regular sessions round the piano with her sister Marlene.

After winning the Gaelic Learners’ Silver Pendant in Inverness in 1966, Alison went on to achieve fluency, and in Oban, in 1970, won her first Gold Medal presented by the Nova Scotia Association for Scottish Societies. In Stirling in 1971 two Gold Medals followed, the first presented by the Glasgow Oban and Lorn Association and, later that day, the premier award for solo singing, the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal. Following her marriage in June 1973, Alison moved to Ross- shire and later that year joined Dingwall Gaelic Choir where she has been a loyal member for over forty years, and has served as choir president.

A highlight for Alison was an invitation received from the then Secretary of State, now Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, to entertain foreign dignitaries at Admiralty House, Whitehall, London, in 1977, and another appearing on the television series Se Ur Beatha in the seventies along with a newly formed band called Runrig!

Page 54 of 59 Kirsteen Menzies [see ‘DGC conductors’]

Jean Mackay

Although of Sutherland parentage, Jean was brought up in and it was there that she first attended the ceilidhs that led to an interest in Gaelic singing. Whilst in Thurso, she attended her first local Mod and competed in the solo singing and piano competitions. Jean’s interests were always in Scottish music, and as a teenager she added fiddle and clarsach to her list of instruments. On moving to Inverness, she joined the Inverness Fiddlers shortly after they were formed - a membership she maintains today. Jean joined her first Gaelic choir whilst a student at the University of Glasgow, following which she took up solo singing, joining Gaelic conversation classes to gain a knowledge of the language.

Jean Mackay - Lochaber 2007

Moving back north as an IT Manager in local government, she continued to pursue her interest in Gaelic singing. She joined Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 2001 and in 2007 won the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal at the Lochaber National Mod. As well as playing with various fiddle groups and bands, including Mo Chreach, Jean tutors young soloists and is the secretary of the Inverness Provincial Mod.

Page 55 of 59 Kerrie Finlay

Kerrie Finlay - 2008

Kerrie is a native of Ross-shire and has been singing since the age of six. Performing regularly at choir ceilidhs, having Hamish Menzies as her musical mentor, it was a natural progression to become a member of Dingwall Gaelic Choir which she joined in 1999. She won the Silver Pendant in Stornoway in 2001 and the Oban Times Gold Medal in Fort William in 2007. She then went on to win the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod in Falkirk in 2008. Kerrie is a co-founder and a co-conductor of Roinnagan Rois.

Page 56 of 59 Steven Maciver

Steven Maciver - Oban 2009

Steven hails from the small village of Naast situated between Inverasdale and Poolewe in . He began singing when he was thirteen years old, competing at both local and national Mods. After spending a number of years working in Gaelic television and radio in Glasgow, Steven moved back to the Highlands to work with Bord na Gaidhlig in 2011, where he currently manages its marketing and corporate affairs. He started singing with Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 2005, becoming a full-time member in 2010. Steven won the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal in Oban in 2009. He also plays the accordion and is a member of the award-winning folk group, Mo Chreach. Following the retiral of Uisdean Macrae in 2013, Steven took over as the choir’s Gaelic Tutor.

Page 57 of 59 And all five ....

Page 58 of 59 SOME MEMORIES ……..

1955 - First Mod, in Aberdeen Choir booked into a guesthouse but it turned out not to be large enough to accommodate everyone. Lady owner did not believe in turning anyone away, so members were 5 to a room - 3 in one bed and 2 in the other. One man ended up sleeping ON the kitchen table while another slept ON THE FLOOR under it. That’s dedication!

Another Mod … Female choir member arrived off train for Mod at Oban along with three other members. Seeing car at station, she asked driver if he would mind taking them to their hotel. Looking surprised, he said, “Certainly - just jump in.” On arriving at the hotel the lady asked how much the fare was, to which the driver replied, “I’m not a taxi, I was just seeing my wife off on the train to Glasgow.”

And one more Mod …. This incident followed yet another success in the Margrat Duncan competition when two tenors, each considering himself to have greater knowledge of Gaelic language and culture than the other, entered into an argument which became so heated that one hit the other on the head with the newly- won trophy!

Please visit the photo album on our website for more photos from the Dingwall Gaelic Choir.

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