Dingwall Gaelic Choir founder with ‘wonderful voice’ passes away at 92
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A Dingwall Gaelic Choir founder who “graced many concert platforms” with her “wonderful” voice has passes away at 92 after a short illness.
Mrs Jean Maclean was a Dingwall native and dedicated almost 40 years of her life to the Dingwall Gaelic Choir which she founded alongside her husband Alistair and others in the 1950s.
In a tribute posted on social media, Dingwall Gaelic Choir announced Mrs Maclean’s passing stating that she “is greatly missed”. The choir said: “With great sadness, we announce the passing of Honorary Life Member Mrs. Jean Maclean, who, along with her husband Alistair and others, founded the choir in 1954.
“Jean passed away after a short illness on Saturday evening, March 16. The choir’s 70th anniversary concert was held just the previous evening but owing to her being admitted to hospital a few days before, Jean was unable to attend. She would have celebrated her 93rd birthday on Monday March 25.
“Her wonderful soprano voice can still be heard in many of the choir’s recordings and as an accomplished soloist, she graced many concert platforms.
“A dedicated member of the choir for almost 40 years, she and Alistair returned to the family home in Torridon on their retirement in 1991 following the Royal National Mod in Dingwall which, being a native of the town, Jean was particularly proud to be involved in. From then on she continued to follow the choir’s progress, always giving her honest opinion on the performances, which were always greatly valued (never biased, she always said!).
“She and Alistair (also an Honorary Life Member) travelled with the choir to many Royal National Mods across the country, always showing their support, until they felt unable to make the longer journeys from their home in Torridon.
“Following her beloved Alistair’s passing Jean returned to live once again in her home town where she spent the last six years. She and Alistair were also avid supporters of Ross County football team and attended many home games together. Jean still followed the team’s progress with great interest right up to her being admitted to hospital.
“Jean’s funeral service will be held in Dingwall Free Church on Saturday April 6 at 9.30am thereafter to Annat Cemetery, Torridon, arriving at approximately 11.30am. Dingwall Gaelic Choir sends sincere condolences to her family at this time. She is greatly missed.”
