In memory of Duncan MacGilp

I am very sad to say that Duncan MacGilp of Tobermory has died.

There’s so much I could say about Duncan’s warmth, kindness and deliciously roguish sense of humour.

He was one of the first people to make me feel like I’d chosen the right place to come and settle.

Playing music with Duncan was a delight.  He would often just put down his fiddle and start to sing if we were playing a Gaelic song.

Duncan’s voice, knowledge and perspectives were a link to times past, but rooted in the present.  He was what you would call a Sàr Ghàidheal, the embodiment of cultural knowledge and a living champion of culture.

There’s a saying that when someone old dies it’s like a library has burned down.
Duncan’s knowledge and perspective was always there for the sharing.
Like any great library, those of us who were lucky enough to spend time in his company left with thoughts and perspectives from elsewhere to challenge us and carry over into our own lives, informing our own journeys.
I’m honoured to have shared a few brief steps of the journey with him.

Duncan is survived by his wife, Morag, daughter Moira, son in law Seamus and their two children.

Duncan’s funeral is tomorrow in Tobermory at 11.30.

If you wanted to spend time listening to Duncan’s tales, his episodes of the podcast can be found below.

Podcast 01 – Duncan MacGilp

14 – Duncan MacGilp – Christmas Special