Jimmie McGregor, 1947-2011
The piping and drumming world is saddened by the death of Jimmie McGregor in the early hours of October 26, 2011, at the age of 64. He had braved a battle with cancer for the last two years.
While not a competitive piper, he was an immensely popular and well-liked figure on the Scottish solo circuit for more than 40 years. The son of the well known Gold Medallist Jimmy McGregor, Jimmie McGregor was known for his congenial and amiable nature, his love of a good time and a laugh, and his ability to organize piping competitions.
For many years he was the chief steward and piping convener for the Blairgowrie Highland Games, a solo competition that routinely draws more than 30 top-flight competitors, mainly because of its playing conditions and organization.
While the son of a great piper, Jimmie McGregor only competed around the Scottish games in the late-1970s and early-1980s. Professionally he worked with British Telecom for 40 years, working his way from a position as an engineer to finishing as a senior manager.
The funeral is scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, November 1st, at Blairgowrie Parish Church, Blairgowrie.
On behalf of the world’s pipers and drummers, we extend our sympathies to Jimmie McGregor’s survivors and his myriad friends around the world at this sad time.
Damn, Jimmie was a sweet man. Always a smile and a good word. Always.
The piping community will feel this loss for years to come. What dedication, especially to the development of players trying to make their names and reach the top levels. An irreplaceable guy. Kylie and James MacHattie
nicest guy in piping on God’s earth
Jimmie was the first person with words of encouragement to young, inexperienced solo pipers. He helped me and countless other then novices learn a bit about the games” circuit. He always had a smile on his face and we shared a mutual love of Heart of Midlothian FC – a source of joy and pain in recent years. I echo Bruce’s comments – Jimmie was a fantastic ambassador and welcomed overseas players with open arms. This is a sad loss to the solo piping community. Greig Canning”
The comments say it all. Sad loss of a great friend and supporter to us all
Testament to Jimmie that the first four comments are from North Americans – he welcomed all pipers and proved that you don’t have to have a chestful of medals to be a giant of piping. His father was just the same. Great men, and sadly missed.
One of the greatest joys of traveling to Scotland each year for piping is the chance to make new friends and catch up with old ones. Jimmy made you feel you were great, old friends from the first day you met.