Roddy Urquhart – An Appreciation
by Rory MacLeod
In the early 1960s The Roddy Urquhart Dance Band traveled the West Coast for a week long tour, with notable artistes such as George Clavey and Ann Draper and the concerts were introduced by Robbie Shepherd. Among the places visited were Broadford, Mallaig, Tarbert (Harris), Stornoway and Portree.
All these places have lasting memories of Roddy and the band.
When visiting Skye, the home of Roddy and Sheila Urquhart was always the place to visit and all the top Scottish Dance Bands including those of Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine, Fergie MacDonald and John Carmichael dropped in for a tune and a dram when they played in the area. Sir Jimmy Shand, with his wife Ann and son David, stayed for three nights when he personally delivered the Hohner Morino ordered by Roddy, that he is seen playing in the photograph.
In the North of Scotland we are very fortunate to have loyal Club members who support their local Accordion and fiddle Clubs, and Roddy, until just before his passing was a regular at Highland, Dingwall and Forres.
Fond memories of a kind, gentle, musician who gave pleasure to many with his soft ‘West Coast’ style of playing will come to mind now each time I hear Eric Allan’s fine composition, Sheila and Roddy Urquhart’s Two-Step.
Our thoughts at this time are with Sheila and family.
Box and Fiddle
October 2000
All these places have lasting memories of Roddy and the band.
When visiting Skye, the home of Roddy and Sheila Urquhart was always the place to visit and all the top Scottish Dance Bands including those of Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine, Fergie MacDonald and John Carmichael dropped in for a tune and a dram when they played in the area. Sir Jimmy Shand, with his wife Ann and son David, stayed for three nights when he personally delivered the Hohner Morino ordered by Roddy, that he is seen playing in the photograph.
In the North of Scotland we are very fortunate to have loyal Club members who support their local Accordion and fiddle Clubs, and Roddy, until just before his passing was a regular at Highland, Dingwall and Forres.
Fond memories of a kind, gentle, musician who gave pleasure to many with his soft ‘West Coast’ style of playing will come to mind now each time I hear Eric Allan’s fine composition, Sheila and Roddy Urquhart’s Two-Step.
Our thoughts at this time are with Sheila and family.
Box and Fiddle
October 2000