Box and Fiddle
Year 38 No 07
March 2015
Ewan McGowan of Dumfries (26.4.43 - 10.1.15)
Obituary
I first met Ewan at New Abbey School in the mid 1950's. He had got hold of an old accordion and was soon able to play a few tunes well enough to play at local concerts. He then joined a local band in the late 60's. I joined Ewan along with drummer/vocalist Sandy McClelland and played at dances locally and did the Clubs in the North of England for a number of years. In 1986 the Elmbank Scottish Dance Band was formed with Ewan and I on accordions, Ian Kirkpatrick on fiddle, James Clark on keyboard and Ian McRobert on drums. Ewan had a great 'ear' and was a dab hand at backing singers and did a spell at The Hole in the Wa' for Max Houliston. He then teamed up with William Williamson, the late Stella Harker (singer) and Gavin Maxwell (piper) entertaining bus parties at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries and latterly at Gretna Hall Hotel. The highlight of Ewan's career was the very popular panto at his home village of Lochfoot. Ewan was the Musical Director and entire orchestra with his Hohner Morino VM complete with electronic bass, keyboard and special effect. Playing for a variety of very talented cast, including his daughter Julie. Keeping a watchful eye was his good lady Hilda. He will also be remembered for composing the very fine waltz 'The Boys of the Mhairi L'.
Ewan lost his battle with cancer at the Alexandria Unit of Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary on Saturday, 10th January 2015.
Aye we'll miss him.
John Douglas
Obituary
I first met Ewan at New Abbey School in the mid 1950's. He had got hold of an old accordion and was soon able to play a few tunes well enough to play at local concerts. He then joined a local band in the late 60's. I joined Ewan along with drummer/vocalist Sandy McClelland and played at dances locally and did the Clubs in the North of England for a number of years. In 1986 the Elmbank Scottish Dance Band was formed with Ewan and I on accordions, Ian Kirkpatrick on fiddle, James Clark on keyboard and Ian McRobert on drums. Ewan had a great 'ear' and was a dab hand at backing singers and did a spell at The Hole in the Wa' for Max Houliston. He then teamed up with William Williamson, the late Stella Harker (singer) and Gavin Maxwell (piper) entertaining bus parties at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries and latterly at Gretna Hall Hotel. The highlight of Ewan's career was the very popular panto at his home village of Lochfoot. Ewan was the Musical Director and entire orchestra with his Hohner Morino VM complete with electronic bass, keyboard and special effect. Playing for a variety of very talented cast, including his daughter Julie. Keeping a watchful eye was his good lady Hilda. He will also be remembered for composing the very fine waltz 'The Boys of the Mhairi L'.
Ewan lost his battle with cancer at the Alexandria Unit of Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary on Saturday, 10th January 2015.
Aye we'll miss him.
John Douglas