Major honour for Dingwall champion of Gaelic music

conductor of choir to be made a freeman of ross and cromarty

Published:

A Dingwall man who has dedicated much of his life to choral and Gaelic music is to be made a Freeman of Ross and Cromarty.

James Hamilton Menzies, known as Hamish, was conductor of Dingwall Gaelic Choir for nearly 35 years and, on his retirement, he was the longest-serving Gaelic choir conductor in Scotland.

Born in Sutherland and raised at Brora, Mr Menzies joined the RAF at 17.

On his return, he was organist and choirmaster at Clyne Parish Church, also directing and conducting the Gaelic choir in the village.

After moving to Dingwall in 1969, he joined Dingwall Gaelic Choir as a tenor, before becoming conductor in 1973.

He led it to many successes, including winning the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield at the first attempt in 1977.

Councillor Margaret Paterson, of the Dingwall and Seaforth ward, said the honour of being made a Freeman was a rare and most prestigious one, which Mr Menzies richly deserved.

She said: “I am thrilled for Hamish.

“He has contributed greatly to community life in the Dingwall area, in particular to Dingwall Gaelic Choir as its inspirational conductor. He is a most worthy recipient of this treasured recognition.”

An award ceremony will take place in Dingwall prior to the Royal National Mod in October, which this year is being held in Falkirk.