'There is a large void in the pipe band with no Hamish': Golspie piping stalwart remembered at memorial parade
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A LARGE turnout of visitors and locals enjoyed a street parade in Golspie by the Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band on Saturday, September 2, in memory of Hamish Campbell, a stalwart of the band for more than 40 years. He sadly passed away on Monday, May 15, writes Willie Sutherland.
Hamish, who was always smiling, will be remembered by all as the nicest, most unassuming man that anyone could wish to know. He was an accomplished piper who loved playing and also the craic in the pub afterwards.
He died of a heart attack at the age of 64. It was a huge loss to Golspie where he was well known, having spent all his working life in the local fish shop. He started in the shop on May 1, 1980, aged 21, having previously worked in the Co-op in both Brora and Golspie. When he reached the 40-year milestone behind the counter, Hamish said the best part of the job was meeting and talking to customers.
He was also a Freemason and played for many years as solo piper at Golspie’s Armistice Parade.
Hamish’s wife Rosie and son Neil were present at the parade and afterwards in the Stag’s Head Hotel for a presentation of an engraved quaich and flowers. The quaich was appropriately engraved with a tribute to Hamish’s long-service and dedication to the band. This was presented to Rosie and Neil by ex-pipe major John Mackay’s two sons, Brendan and Marcus.
Soup and sandwiches were provided by John Dykes of the hotel, having been paid for by Edward Mackay & Co, Brora. Many thanks go to the firm for this great gesture and also to the hotel for the best lentil soup ever!
John Mackay’s wife Kirsty and son Marcus collected at the parade for Chest, Heart and Stroke, Scotland (CHSS). In an indication of the esteem in which Hamish was held, no cash was donated – only notes and many in large denominations.
The Rendall Pipe Band, Orkney, and the Inverness British Legion Pipe Band have donated their fees for playing at Golspie Gala Week, to the charity in memory of Hamish.
Eric Plowman, a former Golspie resident now living in Orkney, who attends the massed pipe band event in the village every year as a piper, donated £100 as did Pittentrail Garage.
These are all gestures of the utmost generosity and show how much Hamish meant not only to Golspie, but far further afield.
Sutherland Sessions held a ceilidh in Lairg on the same night as the street parade and very kindly donated the proceeds of their raffle to the cause, amounting to £107.
Neil Campbell is to take part in a 10k sponsored run in Inverness on October 1, the proceeds to be added to the already outstanding sum of £2,243. The Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band are going to make this up to £2,500.
There is now a large void in the pipe band with no Hamish, as there is in Golspie and well beyond. We all grieve for Hamish and miss him beyond words, but his loss is the greatest for Rosie and their two sons Ryan and Neil, and we all hope that God will give them strength to come to terms with the loss of Hamish who will never be forgotten.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the support they have had at a very difficult and sad time. Also, for the unbelievable street collection which came to £1,386.39 an amazing amount, many thanks to one and all.
