It is with sadness that we report the passing of piper Elaine Marnoch. Elaine, married name Elaine Potts, was aged 58 and had been suffering from cancer.
Elaine was a leading player in the 70s and 80s and played with many bands in the north-east of Scotland in both amateur and professional solo ranks and was a leading figure in Officers Training Corps. She was the first lady piper to perform as the Lone Piper at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and only last year was present to congratulate another female piper Megan Beveridge who was given that honour.
As we reported: ‘There has only every been one other female Lone Piper in the Tattoo’s history, Officer Cadet Elaine Marnoch, who played in 1977…Elaine, now Mrs Potts, was there to wish Megan luck on this momentous occasion, as they celebrated being two of the most famous women in the Tattoo’s long, illustrious history.’
Elaine’s death notice in the London Times reads: ‘POTTS Elaine Christina (née Marnoch) passed away peacefully on 20th January 2017, aged 58, after a brave battle with cancer. She is survived by a loving family, husband Kieran and daughters Katie and Tasha.
‘The funeral service will be held at Warriston Crematorium (Lorimer Chapel), 36 Warriston Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HW, on Saturday 4th February 2017, at 11.15am. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to St Andrew’s Hospice, Henderson Street, Airdrie, ML6 6DJ.’
Major Steven Small of the Tattoo said: ‘From all at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo our sincere regrets and deepest sympathy.’
Gold Medallist and now piping tutor Wilson Brown, a contemporary of Elaine’s, said: ‘Both my brother and I knew Elaine well from competing with her in the junior competitions where as you know she was very successful. She was certainly popular and well known amongst pipers of my era. We are both very shocked and saddened.’
Readers who would like to leave a message of condolence can do so below.
shocked and sad to read this. Elaine was a good friend and have many good memories with Elaine when we were helping out with the OTC, also when we were in Houston and many more. ( Too many to mention).
Rest in peace Elaine. And thinking of your family at this very sad time.
Moira. X
Sorry to hear the news. Brings back memories of Tayside pipers SPA and St Andrew’s
contests in younger days
Very saddened to hear this news. i’d ony recently caught up with her after many years, and would look forward to a wee blether at the competitons.
Shocked to hear this, Elaine and I competed together in the 70s.
Very sad news. R S MacDonald