A new memorial fund has been established by the family of Liam Colgan, the 29-year-old Inverness musician who died after disappearing during his brother’s stag weekend in Germany last year.
The body of the talented singer was recovered from a river in Hamburg 10 weeks after he went missing on a night out.
Now the Liam Colgan Fund will create two annual awards for music students at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Big turnout ‘eloquently tells’ of love for Inverness musician Liam Colgan
The Liam Colgan songwriting award and The Liam Colgan music production award will provide students with the opportunity to develop and enhance their song writing and performing skills and keep Liam’s music alive.
Liam began his musical studies in 2006 receiving an HNC in music at North Highland College UHI Alness campus. He went on to gain a BA (Hons) in popular musical performance at Perth College UHI in 2010.
At university he joined the band Waterday. The group played a number of venues in Glasgow, the most prestigious being at King Tuts.
He later formed a two-piece band, Old Old Wooden Ship, with lifelong friend Sean Fleming before continuing to perform as a solo artist.
His father Brian, said: “Liam’s family and close friends were devastated by his untimely death. I wanted to find a way of ensuring that something positive came out of this devastation.”
The Liam Colgan songwriting award will give an aspiring songwriter the opportunity to study the art and craft of songwriting with a master songwriter of their choice.
“The Liam Colgan music production award will provide an opportunity to study the art and science of music production through tuition or studio time with a renowned producer of their choice.
Peter Honeyman, creative and cultural industries subject network leader at the university, said: “We remember Liam as an inspirational and highly committed performer and composer who impressed us all at Perth College UHI with his enthusiasm and energy.
“Songwriting was his passion and we are delighted that this generous award will allow others to further pursue their own ambitions and dreams. Liam’s memory will live on in this award and the work of those who benefit from it.”
Alison Wilson, the university’s head of development, said: “We hope that others might also consider donating to the fund to add to the generous gift we have received from the Colgan family to establish these awards.”
