Sad passing of John Gilmour

The Scottish Brass Band Association is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Gilmour, honorary life president and founder of Queensferry Community Band, on 28 September.

John formed the original band in the mid-1970s in Queensferry High School when he was principal teacher of music. A subsequent youth band – to allow students the opportunity to further develop their brass banding on leaving school – eventually became an adult band in 2004, registering with SBBA.

SBBA secretary Tom Allan and honorary vice president Peter Fraser MBE attended a special evening concert by Queensferry Community Band in June 2024 to thank John for his years of work and dedication to the band.

Recent health problems had forced John to step down as the secretary and main organiser, so the band returned to the school where it all began to pay tribute to him by playing a concert of his many musical arrangements.

Tom handed John a SBBA lifetime achievement award (cover photo), bestowing on him an honorary vice president position with the Scottish Brass Band Association. As well as all John's work with Queensferry, he organised the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships for many years.

The funeral service will be held at Bo'ness Parish Church, Panbrae Road, Bo'ness EH51 0EN at 10am on Saturday 11 October, followed by interment at New Carriden Cemetery, Bo'ness EH51 9LP.