Duncan Johnstone

BORN in Glasgow of Hebridean parentage, Duncan began his piping career at an early age with instruction from his father. Thereafter, he had tuition from Angus Campbell of Ballachulish, who recognised Duncan's outstanding talents. During the war years, he saw active service in the Submarine Surveillance Mine Sweeping Service in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and, on his return from war service, he resumed his piping instruction under the tutelage of Donald MacLean of Oban, and Roddy MacDonald of South Uist.

Duncan combined his piping career with completing an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker in Glasgow's shipyards, where he became, in time, foreman joiner with the Clan Line and Stephen shipyards, before taking up a full-time position as piping instructor at the College of Piping in Otago Street, 1974-1978. He was a well-respected teacher at home, and a very popular choice at numerous summer schools in North America. However, he was never more at home than with his family and friends from the islands, and was the first instructor and soloist at Feis Barra in 1980.

During the late 1970s, Duncan had a school of piping in Robertson Street, where he produced two books of pipe music and three commercial recordings.

As a composer he excelled, and his masterpiece, Farewell to Nigg, which was played at his funeral service at St Helen's Church, Langside, by his son, Neil, on cello, will be a lasting tribute to his composing skills. The service was conducted by Monsignor Hart and readings by Donald John MacInnes to a large congregation of family and friends. Laments at the church and graveside were played by Donald MacInnes of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. In 1980, his son, Alan, lost his fight against leukemia and his courage prompted Duncan to compose a most poignant piobaireachd, Lament for my Son, Alan.

Duncan's forte was undoubtedly as a soloist, but he had a brief association with the St Francis's Boys' Guild Pipe Band and, in the 1950s, was a piper and latterly Pipe Major of the City of Glasgow Corporation Transport Pipe Band. One of his accolades and proudest moments was when he made it to the final - and won - the Scottish Pipers' Association Knockout Competition in 1964, against his dear friend, Pipe Major Donald MacLeod, this being the first of this series of contests, which exists to this day. He went on to win the competition again in 1966.

In 1996 Duncan was awarded the Balvenie Medal by Messrs Wm Grant & Son, for his lifetime commitment to piping. His passing leaves his widow, Isa; sons Alex, Angus, Duncan, Ian, and Neil; daughters Margaret and Seonaid; and grandchildren.

Iain MacDonald