Honour For Dingwall Gaelic Stalwart
The Highland Council is to grant the honour of being a Freeman of Ross and Cromarty to a Dingwall man, who has dedicated much of his life to choral and Gaelic music.
Mr James Hamilton (Hamish) Menzies is held in high regard throughout the Highlands for his work with the Dingwall Gaelic Choir, with whom he was conductor for almost 35 years. On his retirement he held the distinction of having the title of the longest serving Gaelic choir conductor in Scotland.
Born in Sutherland and brought up in Brora, Mr Menzies joined the RAF at the age of 17. On his return he took up the post of organist and choirmaster at Clyne Parish Church, also directing and conducting the Gaelic Choir in the village.
Moving to Dingwall in 1969 following his marriage, he began his long association with the Dingwall Gaelic Choir in their tenor section.
In 1973 he took over as conductor and led the choir to many distinguished successes, progressing to the premier competition for choral singing in 1977 and winning the much coveted Lovat and Tullibardine Shield at the first attempt. Under his leadership the choir has won the premier trophy on many occasions along with first prizes in other major choral competitions. In 2003 at the Royal National Mod in Oban the choir won every competition entered, culminating in top marks for music.
Councillor Margaret Paterson, Dingwall and Seaforth Ward, said the honour of being made a Freeman was a rare and most prestigious one that Mr Menzies richly deserved. She said: “I am thrilled for Hamish, he has contributed greatly to community life in the Dingwall area, in particular to Dingwall Gaelic Choir as its inspirational conductor. He is a most worthy recipient of this treasured recognition.”
An award ceremony will take place in Dingwall prior to the National Mod, which this year will be held in Falkirk during October.
ENDS