Tributes paid to pipe band leader following tragic accident in Highlands
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A HIGH-PROFILE figure in the north’s pipe band scene sadly died following an accident near Auldearn earlier this month.
Tributes have been paid to John Channon, chairman of Forres Pipe Band, who died after the accident on the A96 on January 12.
Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro, said: “This has been desperately shocking and sad for us all in the Forres Pipe Band and especially for his family. We will all be mourning his death as our chairman but also as our leader, ‘father’ of our band family, and as a friend.
“John had a distinguished career in the RAF, becoming a Wing Commander and having been made an MBE.
“He loved playing the pipes and joined the Forres and District Pipe Band, becoming its secretary in 2012. The band was not in good health and John set himself the task of improving things all round.
“He became the chairman in 2015 and the band has gone from strength to strength under his leadership.”
The band took part in the Forres Highland Games and the European Pipe Band Championships, and for four years running performed at The Highland Military Tattoo.
Mr Channon was also the chieftain of Forres Highland Games in 2019. “That was a very fine tribute and an indication of the esteem in which John was held in the local community,” Mr Monro said.
“We also have many more players today and the quality is there too. In large measure this is because of John’s recruitment and because of the tutoring systems he has put in place together with others. He has been to the fore in organising tutors and practice sessions.
“John encouraged the young to come to taster sessions and to enrol. He knew that the young are the seed corn for the future.
“He also realised that piping and drumming and the camaraderie of the band were a wonderful way for young people to broaden their experiences and skills.”
