JOHN GILMOUR

John Gilmour founded our brass band within Queensferry High School in the mid 1970’s where he was the Principal Teacher of Music.

John was an extremely talented musician who had a passion for sharing his gift with others. He took the band of young players from strength to strength, enlisting Jim Anderson as Musical Director in the early ’90s when the school band became a youth band.

Such was John’s popularity with his pupils, many of them wanted to continue to play under his guidance once they had left schools so we became an adult band registered with SBBA in 2004.

Over the years the band experienced travelling to contests throughout the UK, playing concerts and taking part in community events such as the Ferry Fair. Often playing original arrangements of music written by John. This would not have been possible without John’s dedication, organisational skills and immense talent. All of the band members have fond memories of these times and are grateful for John’s guidance.

John retired from the band in 2024 and was awarded the title of Honorary Band President as a small token of our appreciation.

Sadly, John passed away peacefully at home on 28th September 2025. Everyone in the band is devasted to have lost such a great leader, mentor and friend. He will be deeply missed but his memory will most definitely live on through the band continuing to make music together.