HM The Queen Honours Piping Legend Iain MacFadyen

The piping world will be thrilled to learn that Iain MacFadyen, Kyle, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, writes the Editor.

Iain, 86, has achieved worldwide renown both as a player and as a teacher. His pupils have featured at all levels of prizelists for the past 60 years.

He became one of the first school’s instructors in piping when, in 1974, he took up a position as instructor at Kyle of Lochalsh in South West Ross.

Iain’s natural talent and warmth immediately galvanised youngsters and parents. Within a few months he had dozens of pupils all over that part of the Highlands.

Despite a heavy workload his enthusiasm never waned, and with the help of his late wife Eleanor, ran recitals and junior competitions to stimulate further interest.

Iain tuning pipes for a young Brighde Chaimbeul

All the while he managed to combine his teaching with a stellar career as a soloist winning all the mjor titles, some many times over. Iain was equally at home in light music as he was in piobaireachd, his innate ability and touch always shining through.

Iain, who has already been recognised for his dedication to teaching by the Educational Institute of Scotland, said tonight: ‘I am deeply honoured to have been recognised in this way. I have had a very rewarding life teaching and seeing my pupils doing so well. I am also very grateful to all the wellwishers who have been in touch with me.’

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8 thoughts on “HM The Queen Honours Piping Legend Iain MacFadyen

  1. Well done Iain. You helped many of us out in the Highlands. We were very lucky to have someone with your depth of knowledge, teaching ability and people skills. Thoroughly well deserved.

  2. One of the best and first teachers I had way back in the 70’s – still piping because of him! I will always treasure our lessons – well done Iain!!

  3. The piping world is full of great players, wonderful teachers, thoroughly likeable people – and Iain is simply one of the very best in every way. Look at some of the “role models” in other fields of endeavour, and realise how privileged we have been to have this man as an inspiration and role model in our own field. What a joy it has been to learn of this recognition for Iain.

  4. Long overdue Uncle Iain! You have been an inspiration to young pipers and your family for a very long time. Your twin is very very proud of you as always.

  5. Well done Iain from the former Heidie of your former school, Govan High. The honour is well deserved.

  6. Long overdue!!
    He should have been given something further up the scale than a BEM.
    His dedication to his craft, teaching and his integrity should be an inspiration and lesson for others.
    Thoroughly well deserved and not a moment too soon.

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