Tributes as Nairn accordionist Jimmy Urquhart passes away aged 78 – he was brought up on a croft at Ardclach and worked for many years as a digger driver on Cawdor Estate
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A popular Nairn musician has passed away in a local care home.
Accordionist Jimmy Urquhart played in several local bands and regularly entertained in local pubs, clubs and care homes.
Jimmy (78) was brought up on a croft at Ardclach and worked for many years as a digger driver on Cawdor Estate and local contracting firms.
He went into business on his own as a taxi driver for many years.
In his younger days he was a keen small bore rifle enthusiast shooting at ranges in Cawdor and Nairn.
His stepson James Davidson said: “He was a great dad to me, my brother and my sisters and a grandad to their children. He was always cheery and just loved playing the accordion. He played purely by ear and could pick up a tune in minutes. He loved his Saturday afternoon sessions at the Victoria Hotel and Caley Bar and Sunday afternoons at the Seaforth Club and of course playing in the village halls around Nairnshire at dances .
“He was regular at Forres Fiddle and Accordion Group evenings in the Victoria Hotel in Forres and played for Nairn Ceilidh Group at their summer ceilidhs.”
Chairman of Nairn Ceilidh Group, Donald Wilson, said: “Jimmy will be sadly missed in the community. Apart from his music he will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and his infectious smile. He last played at the Ceilidh Group in 2019 before the Covid lockdown. But we will all have very fond memories of his bands playing for our audiences and the joy he brought to many.”
Jimmy passed away peacefully at St Olaf Care Home in Nairn on October 8. His funeral will take place at St Ninian’s Church this Wednesday at 1pm.
