Caberfeidh shinty club mourns the death of greats Iain 'Tumba' MacDonald and John MacGregor within a week
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A Ross-shire shinty club is in mourning after the death of a second legendary figure within a week.
Iain ‘Tumba’ MacDonald, a star of Caberfeidh’s first team from the 1970s to the early 1990s, passed away at his home in Strathpeffer on Friday last week at the age of 64.
It followed the death on Monday, August 21 of John MacGregor (83), another distinguished Cabers’ stalwart who played from the late 1950s through to the 1970s.
Statements issued by club chieftain David McMaster via shinty’s governing body, the Camanachd Association, paid glowing tribute to both club stalwarts.
Mr MacDonald, who had been unwell for some time, was described as a “fearless” shinty talent in his prime and a popular, well-respected member of the Strathpeffer community, where he lived all his life.
Mr MacGregor’s passing had “left a huge void in the Strathpeffer community”, it said.
Mr McMaster, a club servant of six decades’ association, described the great sense of sadness and loss felt after the death of two much-loved local characters.
“I’d known them for a very long time, and they were both great characters, wonderful shinty players in their day and their passing so close together leaves a great sadness and void in the local community,” Mr McMaster told the Ross-shire.
Tumba, as he was best known, was the youngest of four children of the late Iain and Margaret MacDonald of Woodside, West Park, Strathpeffer.
In his youth, he worked on Achterneed and Ardival Farms in Strathpeffer for the late Mr MacGregor.
In later years, he was employed by Kenneth Stewart (Strathpeffer) Ltd in the road construction industry, remaining an employee of subsequent new owners, while also working a family croft.
His grandfather, the late Roddy Munro, of Achterneed, Strathpeffer also played shinty prior to World War I while his other grandfather, Allan MacDonald of Blairninich was a long-serving committee member for many years from the 1940s.
Further family connections included Tumba’s uncle Allan, brother Rod and nephews Allan and Brian who all played for Cabers for many years.
Son Iain played for the club until a work injury curtailed his on-field career although he still occasionally turns out for the second team.
Eldest grandson Fraser is in the second team, while grandsons Zander, Robbie and Harry are involved at primary school age level.
Tumba started playing shinty at Fodderty School, then Dingwall Academy, before advancing to Caberfeidh.
The Camanachd Association statement said: “He was a fearless player, playing for many years as a right wing centre and on occasions as a wing back and elsewhere in the team.
“On at least one occasion after his retirement, he played in goals for the second team.
“Iain will be hugely missed, not only by his family, but by all members of Caberfeidh Shinty Club and also the wider community.
“He was a very well-liked and highly-respected gentleman and member of the community.”
Mr MacDonald is survived by wife Margaret Ann, daughter Gillian, son Iain, brother Rod and sisters Margery and Sally.
Mr MacGregor, of Achterneed Farm, had also lived all of his life in Strathpeffer and became involved in all aspects of the community through the local community council, where he served terms as chairman.
He was also heavily involved in the Strathpeffer Highland Gathering Association, serving as convenor, a life member and, up until his passing, honorary president.
He was also a member of the steering group set up locally to investigate the renovation and eventual re-opening of the Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion.
The tribute read: “John also had a huge involvement in shinty and Caberfeidh Shinty Club in particular, where he was a life member.
“John had started playing as a youngster in Fodderty Primary School, then at Dingwall Academy before progressing to the Caberfeidh teams.
“His playing days at senior level stretched from the late 1950s through to the 1970s where he had served a period as first team captain. He was also selected in north district teams.
“After his playing days were over, he was elected to the committee and was club president for some years.”
Along with wife Valerie, Mr MacGregor developed and opened the new sports pavilion at Castle Leod, with the couple later helping to maintain the facilities.
All four sons, Iain, Fraser, Graham and Alexander played for Cabers and worked for the club in various capacities. Grandson Connor is currently a member of the club's first team, while grandaughter Abbey attends primary coaching.
Mr MacGregor’s funeral service was held today at 1pm at the Fodderty and Strathpeffer Parish Church, with interment at Fodderty Cemetery.
