It is with sadness that we report the passing of Hilary Linda Gordon. She was 85 and had been unwell for a month and died in hospital yesterday afternoon.
Many people will have known Linda from her attendance at events such as the Glenfiddich and the Silver Chanter over many years.
Linda was well known to many in the piping world. Alongside husband, Sandy of William Grant & Sons, she was a huge supporter of piping and loved all its forms, so much so that she and Sandy have been referred to as the greatest supporters of Highland piping in history.
Born in Hertfordshire, Linda and Sandy spent their married life first of all in Cardross near Helensburgh before moving to Crocketford near Dumfries in the south of Scotland.
For the last five years she enjoyed watching youngsters developing locally in the South West of Scotland Piping and Drumming Academy (SWSPDA). Leading solo piper, Billy Geddes, who was born in the southwest, has been a regular SWSPDA instructor, and he played frequently for Linda after the workshops.
In addition to supporting husband Sandy at the Glenfiddich piping championships, Linda also enjoyed the fiddling event held, until a few years ago, the following day.
A spokesman for the family said: “She had been in hospital for 10 days in no more than mild discomfort. Her peaceful end was managed brilliantly by the amazing hospital team. A wonderful lady who will be sorely missed.”
Glenfiddich organiser, Liz Maxwell, who knew Linda all her working life, said: “Mrs Linda Gordon was knowledgeable, witty, compassionate and genuinely interested in everyone and everything she was involved with. She was a much loved figure within William Grant & Sons, where, prior to the move to the current premises in Bellshill, she unbelievably knew every employee, their family history and sincerely cared about them.
“She supported Mr Sandy (Sandy Grant Gordon) for many years at the Glenfiddich Piping Championship in Blair Castle and The Silver Chanter at Dunvegan Castle. She knew the pipers almost as well as she knew the Grants employees and shared her husband’s love of their music. The Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship was another event close to her heart. Buzzing about in her wheelchair, congratulating and commiserating with the competitors and even challenging the judges on their decisions!
“She was a wonderful lady and it was a privilege to have known her.”
The family will be holding a a private funeral.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family.
