Allan McIntosh (1942-2012) - Obituary
by David Wilson
B&F November 2013
Allan
McIntosh was born in Glasgow on the 4th of September 1942 and he was the second son of Donald and Ina
McIntosh. Donald was a Police Sergeant and Ina was well known in political
circles, being an advisor to prominent political figures such as the late
Russell Johnston who was elected to the House of Commons and represented Inverness for the Liberal Party from 1964 to 1983. A long term supporter of
Scottish home rule and one who supported the abolition of the British nuclear
arsenal, he also served as leader of the Scottish Liberal Party and as Deputy
Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1992.
From his early childhood it was quite apparent that Allan was blessed with exceptional musical talents. His father was an accomplished fiddler and wanted Allan to follow him and learn the fiddle, while his brother Bill was to play the accordion. However Allan had other ideas! Bill came home one day and found Allan trying to play his accordion. He told him to take it off. Allan responded, “I will take it off, but someday I will show you how to play it.”
Allan, his brother and his dad used to play together; I will always remember that wonderful music. Friends, who knew Allan, would say that his timing was something elseand his left hand playing was hugely admired. Allan was well known in musical circles over many years. In his teens he won the Northern Counties championship in Inverness. More than once, he worked with the late Calum Kennedy, a Gaelic singer and entertainer. In Calum’s show Allan even had his own solo spot. Allan’s favourite music styles were the Gaelic waltzes and the pipe marches. I think I would be right to say that Allan’s musical hero was the late Bobby MacLeod, who advised him to play the waltzes very slowly, which he undoubtedly mastered. In my opinion Allan was both a solo artiste and a bandleader; he could adapt to any audience and he was sensitive in his playing. He was always punctual, never arriving late for a gig. Allan was strict regarding his appearance and his band was always well turned out.
In 1970 Allan married Jean and I was best man at the wedding. Their family eventually consisted of Susan, Kenneth, Maria and Donna (who was named after my beloved late wife). Allan and Jean lived in Aviemore, where Allan was well known in the community and played in The Red MacGregor Hotel.
Allan later moved to Oban where he was married to Heather for 17 years. During that time they traveled, as Allan performed at various venues with his Heather Dance Band.
Allan met Margaret Darroch while she was still a young lass. Through the years she was always there for Allan and he had the greatest respect for her. Together they performed in many places, Allan’s music and Margaret’s voice blending perfectly. In the later years pf Allan’s life Margaret was with him until the end.
Allan had many interests and he was a loyal supporter of the local bowling club. Allan was a man of faith; he served as an elder in the local Church of Scotland in Inveraray. He was often involved in fund-raising events for various organizations and charities.
Allan was an artist and as such his life was often turbulent; he went through some very difficult times. Yet we remember Allan as one of the most gifted musicians of his time. Even more than that, we will remember him as a loyal friend.
On Monday the 10th of September Allan passed away peacefully in the Lorne and Islands District General Hospital in Oban. There is much sadness in parting; my sympathy goes out to his family.
From his early childhood it was quite apparent that Allan was blessed with exceptional musical talents. His father was an accomplished fiddler and wanted Allan to follow him and learn the fiddle, while his brother Bill was to play the accordion. However Allan had other ideas! Bill came home one day and found Allan trying to play his accordion. He told him to take it off. Allan responded, “I will take it off, but someday I will show you how to play it.”
Allan, his brother and his dad used to play together; I will always remember that wonderful music. Friends, who knew Allan, would say that his timing was something elseand his left hand playing was hugely admired. Allan was well known in musical circles over many years. In his teens he won the Northern Counties championship in Inverness. More than once, he worked with the late Calum Kennedy, a Gaelic singer and entertainer. In Calum’s show Allan even had his own solo spot. Allan’s favourite music styles were the Gaelic waltzes and the pipe marches. I think I would be right to say that Allan’s musical hero was the late Bobby MacLeod, who advised him to play the waltzes very slowly, which he undoubtedly mastered. In my opinion Allan was both a solo artiste and a bandleader; he could adapt to any audience and he was sensitive in his playing. He was always punctual, never arriving late for a gig. Allan was strict regarding his appearance and his band was always well turned out.
In 1970 Allan married Jean and I was best man at the wedding. Their family eventually consisted of Susan, Kenneth, Maria and Donna (who was named after my beloved late wife). Allan and Jean lived in Aviemore, where Allan was well known in the community and played in The Red MacGregor Hotel.
Allan later moved to Oban where he was married to Heather for 17 years. During that time they traveled, as Allan performed at various venues with his Heather Dance Band.
Allan met Margaret Darroch while she was still a young lass. Through the years she was always there for Allan and he had the greatest respect for her. Together they performed in many places, Allan’s music and Margaret’s voice blending perfectly. In the later years pf Allan’s life Margaret was with him until the end.
Allan had many interests and he was a loyal supporter of the local bowling club. Allan was a man of faith; he served as an elder in the local Church of Scotland in Inveraray. He was often involved in fund-raising events for various organizations and charities.
Allan was an artist and as such his life was often turbulent; he went through some very difficult times. Yet we remember Allan as one of the most gifted musicians of his time. Even more than that, we will remember him as a loyal friend.
On Monday the 10th of September Allan passed away peacefully in the Lorne and Islands District General Hospital in Oban. There is much sadness in parting; my sympathy goes out to his family.