Major General Sir Hector Macdonald, KCB, DSO ⋆ Ross and Cromarty Heritage

Major General Sir Hector Macdonald, KCB, DSO

Attribution: unknown (Greenhill street in Dingwall looking North)

Major General Sir Hector Macdonald, KCB, DSO

Although born at Mulbuie, on the Black Isle, Hector Macdonald was greatly revered by the people of Dingwall and on 11 May 1899 he was awarded the Freedom of the town. The photographs which follow are in the ownership of Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society.

Major General Sir Hector Archibald Macdonald, KCB, DSO

General Sir Hector Macdonald. Photograph may have been taken at Lemlair House.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

Birthplace

In August 2019 Mr Ian McNeish gave permission for RCHS to reproduce this postcard, which he owns, showing the birthplace of Sir Hector Macdonald in the early part of the 20th century.

Rootfield near Dingwall, birthplace of Sir Hector MacDonald

Attribution: Ian McNeish

Freedom of Dingwall

On 13 May 1899 Sir Hector Macdonald was awarded the Freedom of Dingwall. The town was thronged for the occasion. This photograph has been taken outside the Masonic Hall (later the Picture House) and the building facing is the gable end of what is now Deas’ tearoom.

Freedom ceremony luncheon for Sir Hector Macdonald

Inside the Masonic Hall for luncheon. The Provost standing alongside Sir Hector Macdonald and Lady Macdonald in foreground.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

General Sir Hector Macdonald awarded the Freedom of Dingwall

The crowd in Dingwall when Sir Hector Macdonald awarded the Freedom of Dingwall.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

Shako and Freedom Casket

Sir Hector’s shako, or ceremonial hat, and the Freedom casket, both of which are in Dingwall Museum.

Freedom of Dingwall casket presented to Major General Sir Hector Macdonald in May 1899.

Attribution: Image in ownership of RCHS.

Sir Hector's shako, or ceremonial hat, decorated with ostrich feathers.

Attribution: Image in ownership of RCHS.

Minature Railway

When in due course the residents of Dingwall decided to honour Sir Hector by building the Macdonald Memorial on Mitchell Hill, this was a photograph of the miniature railway used to convey material to the top. The photograph can be seen in Dingwall Museum.

And a photograph of the miniature railway used in the construction of the Macdonald Memorial on Mitchell Hill.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

The Sir Hector Macdonald Memorial on Mitchell Hill.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

View More photos of Sir Hector and other famous Dingwall people

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Dingwall » Dingwall Social » Dingwall Gaelic Choir

Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir

Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir in what appears to be St Clement’s Church Hall. Second left, front row, is Sybil Mackay (conductor 1946); second row,1st left is Isobel Cameron, 2nd left, is June Macleod (later Robertson), 3rd left is Cathie Mackenzie; back row, 4th left, possibly Ted Disbury, 5th left possibly Murdo Bethune.

Hugh A Fraser, MA

There was a resurgence of interest in October 1908 when Dingwall Gaelic Choir met for the first time under the conductorship of Mr Hugh A Fraser, MA, the recently-appointed senior science master in Dingwall Academy. [photograph courtesy of Mrs Margaret Mackintosh]

Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 1934

This new Dingwall Gaelic Choir gave a concert in April 1934 and was described as “not a large one …. but some voices of excellent quality”.

Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1913

Conductor Hugh A Fraser in Highland dress at rear left holding a baton. Could this be a replacement for the baton which broke in two when, in a fit of temper, he hurled it at the choir?

Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1930

Dingwall Gaelic Choir on a previous outing to Ullapool in May 1930. [photograph courtesy of Dingwall Museum]

Donald Mackay, MA

Early in 1904 the “singing class” held under the tutelage of Mr Donald Mackay, MA, headmaster of Maryburgh school, finished their winter session by holding a concert in the Caledonian Hotel, Dingwall.

Miss Sybil Mackay

Miss Sybil Mackay, teacher of music and daughter of Donald Mackay of 1904 fame.

Dingwall Gaelic Choir in Tulloch Castle 2014

Back Row, l-r: Will Campbell, Jim Howden, Steven Maciver, Jim Mackinnon, Ross Brindle, Tony Billington, Michael Paul, George Paul, Billy Mackenzie, Alex Mackay Second row, l-r: Fiona Fraser, Morven Mackenzie, Morven Macdonald, Kate Cameron, Ashleigh Bell, Ruth James, Noelle Murphy, ? ? Norma Christie, Anna Cathcart, Christine Matheson Anna Macnaughton Front row, l-r: Jean Mackay, Jan Wilson, Alison Matheson, Kerrie Finlay, Kirsteen Menzies, Hamish Menzies, Marlene Yule, Phemie Cameron, Mairi Rigby, Karen Cormack

Paisley Mod 2013

Mo Chreach l-r: Steven Maciver, Ross Brindle, Kirsteen Menzies, Jean Mackay, Marlene Rapson Yule

Dundee 1974.

Dundee Mod in 1974 was the baptism of Hamish Menzies as the newly-appointed conductor of DGC, in succession to Ewen Stewart, with Alistair Maclean as Gaelic tutor, and they brought the Margrat Duncan trophy back to Dingwall for the eleventh time.

It was a cold night at Achnagairn House!

During 2012 the Choir made a guest appearance with Glasgow Phoenix Choir in Strathpeffer Pavilion and ended the year by performing in BBC Alba’s live Hogmanay ceilidh from Achnagairn House.

Achnagairn House Hogmanay 2012

During 2012 the Choir made a guest appearance with Glasgow Phoenix Choir in Strathpeffer Pavilion and ended the year by performing in BBC Alba’s live Hogmanay ceilidh from Achnagairn House.

Alison and fellow Gold Medal winner, Seumas Campbell.

As in Aberdeen in 1964, the Mod in Stirling in 1971 saw the Gold Medal being won by a choir member - this time Alison Rapson - but there was no glory for Dingwall Gaelic Choir in the Margret Duncan competition.

Stornoway Mod 2011. 40 not out!

This year saw Alison (Rapson) Matheson’s 40th year as a member of Dingwall Gaelic Choir

On their return from Canada

In May 1993 the Choir left for Vancouver, sporting light grey jerseys with Ross District Council crest, donated by the latter, and music cases gifted by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise.

Cover of CD issued 2014

Hamish Menzies and his daughter Kirsteen

Hamish Menzies retired as conductor - “It (Dingwall Gaelic Choir) has been a part of my life for 40 years now, 34 of these as conductor, and it has been nothing short of an honour” - and is succeeded by Kirsteen.

Dingwall Academy Senior Gaelic Choir

And here is the Dingwall Academy Senior Gaelic Choir with their conductor, Connie Roxburgh, who is holding the trophy. Three of the school's teachers who accompanied the pupils to the 1972 Inverness Mod are in the front row, on Mrs Roxburgh's left, with Mrs Ellen Macleod being identified as the first of the three.

Aberdeen National Mod 1955

The choir’s first foray into National Mod events was in Aberdeen in 1955 when they won the Margrat Duncan trophy competing against eight choirs and with four marks ahead of their nearest rivals, Edinburgh.

HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother presentation of the trophy

The icing at the National Mod 1955 in Aberdeen on the cake was the presentation of the trophy by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother with Princess Margaret accompanying her.

Dingwall Gaelic Choir in Dingwall Town Hall 1955

Back row, l-r: James Curr, Duncan Macrae, Alaisair Fraser, Jackie Fraser, Donald Macleod, Calum, Smith, Ian Grant, Alistair Maclean, George Montgomery, Ted Disbury Front row, l-r: Margaret Macritchie, June Robertson, Heather Maclean, Rita Ross, Mary Fraser, Cathie Mackenzie, Jean Maclean, Catriona Maclean, Catherine Lawson, Joan Lawrie, Susan Maclean

The Glasgow Mod 1988

In the Glasgow Mod 1988 the Choir gained the Rev William Macdonald and J Norman MacConnochie trophies, with the ladies triumphant in the Esme Smythe competition once more and the Alex Macarthur prize for Gaelic.

Inside Dingwall Town Hall 1991

The year 1991 was a highlight for Dingwall as the National Mod returned for the first time since 1931.

And outside Dingwall Town Hall, 1991

On the final Saturday, the instigation of Alison (Rapson) Matheson saw the first-ever performance of the massed choirs outside the Town Hall, this time conducted by Hamish Menzies.

Oban Mod 2003

The Choir returned from Oban Mod 2003 over-burdened with silverware! Trophies included the J Norman McConochie, Hector Russell dirk, Greenock Gaelic Choir cup, Colin G Sangster memorial baton, Oban Times silver salver, Esme Smythe trophy, Donald U Johnstone memorial Quaich, Mull and Iona shield, Glyndwr trophy and Glen Ballachulish trophy. [newspaper unknown]

The Perth Mod of 2004

Hamish Menzies the Dingwall Gaelic Choir conductor holding the Lovat & Tullibardine Shield [newspaper unknown]

Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 2013

Aberdeen Mod of 1964

Aberdeen Mod of 1964 brought victory to Kenny Ross who achieved his goal of the Gold Medal with 12 marks ahead of the runner-up.

The woman behind the man - Janet Menzies (second right)

Hamish Menzies retired as conductor in 2007

Dingwall Gaelic Choir with a selection of trophies

Dingwall Gaelic Choir

Dingwall Gaelic Choir with Ewen Stewart at Aviemore, 1969.

Second at Aviemore in 1969, although they won the John MacNicol trophy.

Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir

The Burns Supper in 2011

The Burns Supper in 2013

Activities during the year included the biennial Burns Supper, the annual concert with proceeds to Maggie’s Centre at Raigmore Hospital.

The Burns Supper in 2014

The Choir’s 60th anniversary celebrations began with a Burns Supper in the National Hotel in January 2014

Dundee Mod in 1974

Dundee Mod in 1974 was the baptism of Hamish Menzies as the newly-appointed conductor of Dingwall Gaelic Choir, in succession to Ewen Stewart, with Alistair Maclean as Gaelic tutor,

Dundee 1959

Success followed in the Margrat Duncan competition in 1959 (Dundee)

Ewen Stewart

In a speech Ewen Stewart recalled eight happy years with the Choir, although he had taken over in 1964 supposedly for one year!

1977 Mod was held in Golspie

Hamish Menzies may have decided that his home county was an appropriate place for his first foray into the Lovat and Tullibardine competition and there was delight in his adopted county, Ross-shire, when the much-coveted trophy was won - and by a 7 points margin.

Dingwall Gaelic Choir in the Council Chamber, Dingwall

Highland Council’s reception for the Choir in 2012

Inverness Mod 1984

At the Mod in Inverness in 1984 the Choir was back in form, winning the Lovat and Tullibardine trophy plus the Oban Times salver, Malcolm G McCallum baton and, once again, the Esme Smythe trophy. Success was honoured by a reception given by Ross and Cromarty District Council.

The Three Conductors Painting

Painting entitled The Three Conductors (Hamish Menzies, Kirsteen Menzies and Marilyn J Smith) presented by The Phoenix Choir to Dingwall Gaelic Choir during the 60th anniversary concert in The Pavilion, Strathpeffer in 2014. [Photograph courtesy of Kirsteen and Jamie Maclennan]

Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 1

This display, in Dingwall Museum windows in February 2017, shows the trophies won by Dingwall Gaelic Choir at the 2016 Mod and is indicative of the standard achieved by the choir not just in one year but over several decades. [Photos RCHS]

Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 2

Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 3

Carol Singing in local supermarket

Ever practical, the Choir raised funds through bag-packing in a local supermarket and carol singing in the same.

Yet another charity supported by Dingwall Gaelic Choir

2009 was the year of the biennial Burns Supper and the annual concert in May raised money for Multiple Sclerosis

Hamish still in action 2012

Dunoon for the 2012 Mod and back to Dingwall with the Lovat and Tullibardine, Malcolm G McCallum baton, Weekly Scotsman Quaich, Donald J MacAskill trophy, Oban Times silver salver, J Norman MacCononchie trophy, and Donald Thomson Quaich once more for Gaelic tutor Uisdean Macrae.

Dunoon Mod 2012

Kirsteen with Uisdean Macrae, Gaelic Tutor, and that very important trophy.