School concert tribute to talented former pupil

Kingussie occasion used as a commemoration of musician Martyn Bennett’s work

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A BADENOCH school paid tribute to one of its former pupils during a concert at the weekend.

Martyn Bennett, described as one of Scotland’s most talented musicians for his experimental pieces, died aged 33, following a long battle with cancer. His former school, Kingussie High, hosted a concert featuring past pupils playing traditional music as part of the Year of Homecoming, with the occasion also used as a commemoration of Mr Bennett’s talent.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Martyn Bennett Memorial Scholarship, which helps support young traditional musicians.

The event was organised by history teacher David Taylor, who is retiring after a 30-year career. Mr Taylor also performed during the concert, playing the pipes with three former pupils.

He said: “Martyn’s mother Margaret and I had talked often about some commemorative event in the school where his remarkable musical career started.

Had Martyn still been alive he would, of course, have been at the heart of this concert, so it seemed fitting to use the occasion as a tribute.”