Iain George Ogg, musician; born July 31, 1971, died April 16, 1998

IT is always a delight to observe and hear the developing skills of a talented and enthusiastic young musician. For the past dozen or so years, the family, friends, and colleagues of Iain Ogg have had much to delight in, as Iain's exceptional talent as an organist and musician burgeoned, and his music-making brought immense joy to thousands.

His sudden death at the age of 26 has left an immeasurable, painful void in very many lives.

Iain's interest in playing the organ began during his childhood in Troon, and his enthusiasm was first fostered by Archie Thom, the organist of St Ninian's Church. It soon became obvious to all who heard him that Iain's ability was something rather special, and a scholarship to St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh recognised this.

There, Iain learned and absorbed, in a very short time, skills and abilities which others take years to acquire. Through his organ lessons with Dr Dennis Townhill, and by playing an important part in the many services and concerts in St Mary's Cathedral, Iain soon became familiar with the whole panoply of organ and church music.

Although so young, he appeared quite undaunted by its complexities. Often he would tackle music which his elders would consider beyond him - and gleefully prove us all wrong by playing it well!

With the excellent musical grounding of St Mary's behind him, Iain won a scholarship to St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow, assisting Bernard Porter, and then in 1990 was a prize-winner in the under-21 class of the Paisley International Organ Competition.

Further study with several of the country's most distinguished organists followed, and all the while Iain was establishing a reputation throughout Scotland as a recitalist and accompanist.

Frequently mistaken for the page-turner before concerts, due to his youthful looks and slight stature, Iain dispelled any such misunderstandings when he took command of the organ, and coaxed from it every last shade of expression.

From studies at both the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and Edinburgh University, Iain took what he needed and found most useful, and left aside the rest, eschewing the more conventional educational paths.

During these last few years in Edinburgh, first in St Michael and All Saints, and latterly in St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Iain was very highly regarded as both organist and choirmaster. His ability to relate to and communicate with people of all ages, and musicians of all abilities was a rare and much-treasured gift.

His recent musical engagements were many and varied, reflecting his amazing versatility. Some of his most remarkable, from this writer's point of view, were his ''rescue'' missions, when he stepped in, at very few hours' notice, and accompanied complex choral programmes with a brilliance and aplomb which few could ever match.

To Iain's mother, brother, and family, and to the Jeffcoat family with whom he lived in Edinburgh, many, many hearts send sympathy, concern, and thanks for the privilege of knowing and loving such a special young man.