Well-known Benbecula piper and family killed in Scottish storm

Malcolm Campbell, the well-known piper from Benbecula, Scotland, died with his daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren while attempting to escape rising waters during severe storms in Iochar, South Uist, on January 11. Campbell was 67.

Calum Campbell was an active piping teacher in the Benbecula area. In recent years he was a frequent spectator and friendly face at the Northern Meeting and the Gaelic Mod.

Campbell and his family had been trying to escape the storm in two automobiles when the vehicles were swamped by the sea. Police had been working to recover the bodies of Campbell’s two grandchildren, ages seven and five.

The storms that have hit Scotland are among the worst in a century, causing significant damage on Scotland’s west coast.

On behalf of the pipers and drummers everywhere, we extend our sympathies to Calum Campbell’s survivors and friends.