Tributes paid to well-respected nurse and accomplished Gaelic singer

“Iain’s joy when singing was contagious, and he swept us along with a varied repertoire from Gaelic, Scots and country.

“Iain always knew the right note to hit, both in his singing and as being a valued and loved member of a team who will never be the same without his energy, warmth and spirit.”

Stuart Jackson, a close friend and fellow Bùrach singer, said the choir was “deeply saddened” to learn of Iain’s passing.

“Iain came to Bùrach after his beloved Tarbert Gaelic Choir stopped competing, and immediately became a much-loved and valuable member,” said Stuart. 

“He was already an accomplished choir tenor and was always generous in sharing his considerable knowledge with others.

“Iain was also a very successful solo performer, and under the expert tutelage of his dear friend Raibeart McCallum, he became a regular Mòd competitor. 

“The height of his success came in the Western Isles, when he won the Silver Pendant at Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail/The Royal National Mòd in 2011. His rendition of Nighneag a’ Ghraidh that year was flawless and will remain an abiding memory of Iain’s superb voice and his endearing style.”

Iain’s funeral was held at Southend Parish Church on March 7. The service was led by worship leader Marion McDonald, a “dear friend” and nursing colleague of both Iain and his wife Eleanor.

Scottish broadcaster, singer and Ceann an Tuirc conductor Joy Dunlop gathered Iain’s friends from the world of Gaelic choirs to sing at the service. In a fitting tribute, they gave an emotional performance of Sine Bhan, conducted by the acclaimed Raibeart McCallum.

Opposite the choir in the church sat Iain’s nursing colleagues from the acute ward and accident and emergency department at Campbeltown Hospital, where he worked for many years before his retirement last year.

Iain was first and foremost a clinician; over the years, he gained considerable experience working and teaching in intensive care units in both London and Saudi Arabia. He had opportunities to move into nursing management but was always happiest beside his patients, who were reassured by his presence and extensive skills.

“A Kintyre man through and through, Iain was very proud of his upbringing, and he took great pride in serving his own community through his work within the NHS,” added Stuart in his tribute.

“He was a caring, kind individual, with a broad smile and an infectious laugh that perfectly represented his enthusiastic character. 

“He was the very best of company and enjoyed nothing more than singing with his friends and enjoying the camaraderie that this brought.

“We are all the richer for knowing Iain, and all the poorer for losing him much too early.”

Retirement offered Iain the chance to devote more time to singing as well as fishing, his other great passion.

His friend Glenda Powell, one of Ireland’s most renowned fly fishing instructors, said: “We have spent many days in this great man’s company on the bank of a river, and Iain has travelled with us to Scotland, Ireland, Iceland and Patagonia. 

“We last had the pleasure of spending four days with him in Ireland the week before he passed away.

“He will be greatly missed by his lovely wife and children who he constantly talked about and was so proud of.”

Iain’s loss will be felt deeply across the community of Kintyre, as evidenced by the large and varied attendance at his funeral service, after which he was laid to rest at Keil Cemetery, Southend.