RIP Alasdair Gillies

[okiwen]

Info. for those who knew him or knew of him.

Arguably, the finest if not one of the finest bagpipers died yesterday morning at the age of 47. Alasdair Gillies, son of PM Norrie Gillies died suddenly.

Search for his name to see his many, many accomplishments. An absolutely wonderful, non-assuming man. Born in Scotland, serving 17 years in the Queens Own Highland, most as Pipe Major, coming to the USA to professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

RIP

I hope the 'general' forum is appropriate.

[MacAngus]

It was a total shock. I was lucky enough to get lessons from him at the balmoral school of piping and drumming every summer for about 4 years.
He was always willing to help pipers no matter what level of player and help them be better pipers.
Slainte Alasdair thanks for everything

[NorCalPiper]

OMG!!!! What happened?!?!? A real tragedy!! I didn't even know he was sick.

[creagdhubh]

Oh my gosh, I can't believe it...I am in complete shock! I met Alasdair several times at various gatherings and piping competitions - he was a good mate to my friend and piper, Matt Pantaleoni of Saint Louis, Missouri. My friend Matt travels to Scotland every summer in order to compete in solo piping competitions - he will be truly saddened to hear of this terrible news, if he already hasn't. My condolences and prayers are with Alasdair's family, and extended family at Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh, where Alasdair was a professor of music (bagpipes) for many years. Below is a link to the College of Piping's website, remembering our dear friend, Alasdair.

http://www.college-of-piping.co.uk/2...lies-has-died/

Flowers of the forest...I hear the drones and chanter in the distance just now...





Rest in peace, Alasdair, fellow Macpherson cousin...

[EagleJCS]

The Louisville Pipe Band was honored to share the stage with him at our 2008 concert, and he gave us a day's worth of workshop instruction for individuals and for the band the following day. Several of our pipers also had instruction from him at the Blamoral School of Piping.

Quite an incredible piper, with a lot of stories to share. He will be missed.

[Dram]

Yes this was terribly tragic. I learned of it yesterday and had a hard time getting it out of my mind.

He really was one of the best pipers in the history of the great highland bagpipe.

My piping instructor knew him fairly well, and I am sure he is also quite sad by this news.

What a tremendous loss.

RIP PM Gillies.