ONE of Gaeldom's singing greats, Donald MacVicar, has died in his Helensburgh home aged 88.
Born on the island of Luing, south of Oban, Donald showed early promise as a singer of Gaelic songs. Possessed of a singularly sweet tenor voice he competed at various Gaelic Mods before winning the coveted gold medal at Aberdeen in 1946.
This win opened up a world of opportunity, particularly at Highland gatherings, which, for many years, were an integral part of the social scene for Highlanders with nostalgic memories of their homeland.
Deprived for the most part of organised entertainment in the forties, the concerts attracted packed attendances at St Andrew's Hall and the City Hall, in Glasgow.
An honour unique to Gaelic singers was conferred on Donald when he was asked to sing to a packed audience in the Albert Hall, London. Among those present was the Queen Mother who had always taken an interest in Gaelic singing.
Towards the end of his public singing Donald and his wife Margaret, who came from Uist, were appointed to manage the newly opened Highlanders' Institute in Elmbank Street, Glasgow. This became a focal point for homesick Highlanders, who came for temporary accommodation or to attend the numerous social evenings.
The institute eventually became the gathering point for Highlanders who for many years had come together for social contact under what was familiarly known in Glasgow as the ''Heilanman's Umbrella''.
When Donald eventually left the Highlanders' Institute he started in hotel management in Edinburgh. There then followed a highly successful hotel management career spanning the White Hart Hotel, Port Ellen, the Royal Hotel, Ardrishaig, followed by a protracted spell in the Argyll Hotel, Inveraray. He had temporary retirement homes in Oban and Taynuilt before settling permanently in Helensburgh.
He is survived by Margaret, who was his efficient partner in hotel business after he ended his singing career, and by a daughter. Countless friends will mourn the passing of a courteous and urbane Highlander.
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