Mark MacDougall (23/10/70 - 02/12/15)
by Iain Cathcart
I can vividly remember the first time I met Mark MacDougall. At Oban Festival, May 1988 this skinny wee lad was wooing not only the judges with his MSR, but also a couple of lovely female accordionist twins from Perth. I was envious of him that day and will be for the rest of my life.
I admired Mark for many things ; his easy to talk to, laid back personality, his cheery demeanour and his indubitable (Mark’s favourite word) musical abilities. Nothing fazed Mark, he would just smile, light up a roll-up and let out that characteristic chuckle of his. As a band colleague, we shared many a session and laugh together. Memories of trips to Arran, Shetland, Bunessan, house parties at 5 Burns Avenue and festivals everywhere live large in my thoughts. Musically he was a top class fiddler, pianist and now recognised as one of the country’s finest bassists, most of all to me he was a bloody good mate. Gigs wearing white trainers, roll-up cigarette production on an industrial scale, comedy t-shirts, tunes that sound nothing like Caber Feidh and MacDoog the Cullivoe Pied Piper all spring to mind. Most of these stories in their full glory would not be suitable for publication.
Mark will leave a huge void in the lives of all of his family, friends and colleagues, none more so than his partner Carol and family, father Hamish and brothers Andrew and David.
Box and Fiddle
January 2016
Courtesy of the The Press and Journal
A well known musician from the Highlands has died suddenly at the age of 45.
Mark MacDougall, who is originally from Muir of Ord, died on Wednesday night.
He had moved away from the Highlands and was living in Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.
Mr MacDougall was a talented musician who played various instruments in traditional Scottish bands.
His father Hamish, who still lives in Muir of Ord, is also a well-known accordion player and member of the Inverness Accordion and Fiddle Club.
Neighbours said earlier this week that Mr MacDougall snr had left to travel to the Borders to be with the rest of the family.
It is understood that the causes of Mr MacDougall’s death remains unknown at the moment.
His father confirmed the news on social media and thanked the hundreds of well-wishers who paid tribute.
Among them was Ian Anderson, who said: “I’m in utter disbelief. Such a shock.
“A young talented man who always took time to speak whenever I met him.
“A huge loss to the Scottish music scene and of course to you, Carol and the rest of your family.
“I know it’s of little comfort but just think of the great tune that’ll be happening upstairs right now though.”
Scott Leslie added: “Our thoughts are with you & your family Hamish.
“Having known Mark for close to 25+ years I was devastated to hear the news last night.
“He is one of the good guys, never passed me without speaking, a fantastic musician and a true gentleman.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
And Alistair McCulloch said: “Can’t quite believe the dreadful news Hamish. I knew Mark for 25 years and he was a fine musician and a true friend to everyone who knew him. So sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with yourself and Carol.”
In his post on social media, Hamish MacDougall said: “Thanks very much for compliments re Mark sudden death I am gutted”
Mark MacDougall played in various ceilidh bands as a bass guitarist.
I admired Mark for many things ; his easy to talk to, laid back personality, his cheery demeanour and his indubitable (Mark’s favourite word) musical abilities. Nothing fazed Mark, he would just smile, light up a roll-up and let out that characteristic chuckle of his. As a band colleague, we shared many a session and laugh together. Memories of trips to Arran, Shetland, Bunessan, house parties at 5 Burns Avenue and festivals everywhere live large in my thoughts. Musically he was a top class fiddler, pianist and now recognised as one of the country’s finest bassists, most of all to me he was a bloody good mate. Gigs wearing white trainers, roll-up cigarette production on an industrial scale, comedy t-shirts, tunes that sound nothing like Caber Feidh and MacDoog the Cullivoe Pied Piper all spring to mind. Most of these stories in their full glory would not be suitable for publication.
Mark will leave a huge void in the lives of all of his family, friends and colleagues, none more so than his partner Carol and family, father Hamish and brothers Andrew and David.
Box and Fiddle
January 2016
Courtesy of the The Press and Journal
A well known musician from the Highlands has died suddenly at the age of 45.
Mark MacDougall, who is originally from Muir of Ord, died on Wednesday night.
He had moved away from the Highlands and was living in Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.
Mr MacDougall was a talented musician who played various instruments in traditional Scottish bands.
His father Hamish, who still lives in Muir of Ord, is also a well-known accordion player and member of the Inverness Accordion and Fiddle Club.
Neighbours said earlier this week that Mr MacDougall snr had left to travel to the Borders to be with the rest of the family.
It is understood that the causes of Mr MacDougall’s death remains unknown at the moment.
His father confirmed the news on social media and thanked the hundreds of well-wishers who paid tribute.
Among them was Ian Anderson, who said: “I’m in utter disbelief. Such a shock.
“A young talented man who always took time to speak whenever I met him.
“A huge loss to the Scottish music scene and of course to you, Carol and the rest of your family.
“I know it’s of little comfort but just think of the great tune that’ll be happening upstairs right now though.”
Scott Leslie added: “Our thoughts are with you & your family Hamish.
“Having known Mark for close to 25+ years I was devastated to hear the news last night.
“He is one of the good guys, never passed me without speaking, a fantastic musician and a true gentleman.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
And Alistair McCulloch said: “Can’t quite believe the dreadful news Hamish. I knew Mark for 25 years and he was a fine musician and a true friend to everyone who knew him. So sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with yourself and Carol.”
In his post on social media, Hamish MacDougall said: “Thanks very much for compliments re Mark sudden death I am gutted”
Mark MacDougall played in various ceilidh bands as a bass guitarist.