Perhaps there are some pipers on the dark side of the moon who don’t know Torquil Telfer. Everyone else does. For the past 40 years he has been the welcoming face of the Argyllshire Gathering. Torquil’s dedication has been suitably recognised by his colleagues…..
As the last of the Gaels headed home from a successful Mòd in Oban last weekend, family, friends and colleagues from the piping world gathered to pay tribute to Torquil Telfer’s 40 years of service to the Argyllshire Gathering.
By Alastair MacGregor
It speaks volumes that he arrived at the event still wearing the Highland dress he wore at the prestigious Lochnell Piping Championship he had stewarded earlier in the day.
A week also where his commitment to the piping world was reflected in his stewarding at the very busy Mòd piping, an event that delighted Torquil because of the participation of 35 youngsters, piping’s life blood, the future.
Fulsome tributes to his commitment to the Argyllshire Gathering were given by Lucinda Gray and John Campbell, stewards of the Gathering.
Both mentioned Torquil’s administrative skills, his energy when stewarding, his guidance for nervous pipers, and his kindness after perhaps a not too successful day. Then there was the camaraderie fostered by his welcoming smile and eagerness to help.
Lucinda reminded guests that Torquil’s work was not just the two days of the Gathering each August but that his work went on throughout the year dealing with all of the entries, draws, tunes, judges, halls, and associated arrangements.
The speeches were welcomed with warm applause, and then Torquil was asked to come forward to receive a small token of the Gathering’s gratitude, an engraved whisky glass, suitably personalised [see picture above].
Many fulsome stories, quotes and memories were recalled as the drams flowed but one from the editor of Piping Press summed it up, ‘The Isle of Man might have its own TT, but ours is wearing the laurels.’
To top everything off it was announced that Torquil and Morag were celebrating 45 years married that very day. What more can I say? A wonderful evening for a wonderful couple.
Congratulations Torquil .
Though I was only half that amount of time with you.
Memories Galore,
Though next day somethings couldn’t be remembered Adam McCracken
Many thanks Torquil! Meal do naidheachd