Donald MacPherson
Donald MacPherson, the greatest competitive piper in history, died peacefully this morning. He was 89. Our condolences to Gwen and family. The piping world will be saddened at the passing of a man who epitomised all that was good in the world of solo piping. He was modest to a fault despite a record of wins at the two most important gatherings, Oban and Inverness, which is unlikely ever to be beaten. In his day Donald was supreme in both ceol beag and ceol mor. Possessor of a magical technique, an even more magical bagpipe and the gift of music most can only dream of, he carried all before him breaking records wherever he played. I could go on but will let everyone gather their thoughts at this sad time. If anyone would like to leave a message of condolence please do so at the foot of this message. Funeral details to follow and a full obituary will appear in the PT as soon as possible. RW.
Terrible news!! I went to Donald every week for 20 years. The man was an absolute gentleman. My thoughts are with Gwen and his family.
I knew of Donald through records of his emacolate sound his grace and his wins on various games and of his prizes Excellent competitive piper in the world and forever the finest
This is really sad news. With the passing of this master player and teacher the piping world is surely a much poorer place
For all his achievements and well-earned status in the world of piping, Donald was ever approachable and quite the nicest man it has been my privilege to meet.
On behalf of the Scottish Piping Society Of London may I offer our sincere condolences to his wife and family at this trying time.
It is with great sadness that we have learnt of Donald’s passing, as he was a true gentleman and great tutor. With deepest sympathy to Gwen, the girls and the rest of the family.
Very saddened and my condolences to Mrs. McPherson and family.
I was introduced to Donald through my friend and his pupil Donald McBride, in much younger days. I had the incredible fortune to be in his class for a week’s summer school in Dingwall in 1975, and while the tunes are distant the lessons have been revisited and passed on many times.
An inpiration and a true gentleman. My thoughts are with Gwen and their family
I shall miss Donald Macpherson as a great friend and a perfect gentleman. I knew Donald for fifty years or more and it was always such a pleasure to meet with him and Gwen. My deepest sympathy to Gwen and family.
Donald was a good friend of my late father, Ian. They had been friends since Army days. I barely knew Donald, but today along with my brothers recall with great gratitude that he played his pipes at my mother’s funeral. A gentleman, for sure, and a good friend to our Dad. Condolences to Gwen and the family and prayers that they will know God’s comfort.
Proud to have been a Pupil of Donald over the years..
A true gentleman.
Thoughts are with Gwen and family.
Mind how you go Donald.
David
Truly an era has ended. He was always piping somewhere for so many years–hard to think of him as gone. Farewell to a great musician!