Bobby Colgan (2nd April 1937 – 14th May 2020)
by Tommy Johnstone
Box and Fiddle – July 2020
On Tuesday, 26th May people from Macmerry and
beyond turned out to say a fond farewell to Bobby Colgan, a very popular and
much-loved character. The tribute continued through his birth town of Tranent
where both sides of the street were lined.
As the funeral cortege sat parked outside Macmerry Miners Club, the Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band played his favourite tunes as some of the regulars poured whisky on the road in front of the hearse shouting, “That’s yer ‘one for the road’ Bobby – good luck and goodbye!” while the rest of us stood in tears, applauding, sad to see the passing of such a well loved character, who had only just buried his partner, Margaret, a few weeks before.
It all started for Bobby on 2nd April 1937. He was born at 11 Northfield, Tranent, a few doors from the legendary the legendary bandleader Jim Johnstone who remained a lifelong friend until Jim died in 2008, aged 71. During their long careers they played with Jimmy Shand, Andrew Rankine, Bobby MacLeod, Jimmy Blue and the Hamefarers from Shetland as well as in local halls and theatres, King James Hotel, The Mishnish in Mull, various beer kellers and even Magaluf.
Bobby compered the Accordion & Fiddle Club in The Railway Hotel in Haddington before moving to Macmerry Club in 2016. I’m sure many of you have a favourite Bobby Colgan story to tell.
May your God go with you, Bobby.
As the funeral cortege sat parked outside Macmerry Miners Club, the Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band played his favourite tunes as some of the regulars poured whisky on the road in front of the hearse shouting, “That’s yer ‘one for the road’ Bobby – good luck and goodbye!” while the rest of us stood in tears, applauding, sad to see the passing of such a well loved character, who had only just buried his partner, Margaret, a few weeks before.
It all started for Bobby on 2nd April 1937. He was born at 11 Northfield, Tranent, a few doors from the legendary the legendary bandleader Jim Johnstone who remained a lifelong friend until Jim died in 2008, aged 71. During their long careers they played with Jimmy Shand, Andrew Rankine, Bobby MacLeod, Jimmy Blue and the Hamefarers from Shetland as well as in local halls and theatres, King James Hotel, The Mishnish in Mull, various beer kellers and even Magaluf.
Bobby compered the Accordion & Fiddle Club in The Railway Hotel in Haddington before moving to Macmerry Club in 2016. I’m sure many of you have a favourite Bobby Colgan story to tell.
May your God go with you, Bobby.