A FUNDRAISING effort has been launched to remember a Barrhead musician hailed as “a pioneer of piping.”

Iain MacDonald spent 45 years as Pipe Major of the Neilston and District Pipe Band, as well as introducing many young people to the world of music and after a period of ill health, he died in May this year, at the age of 70.

Born on April 23, 1950, Iain spent most of his pre-school days on Great Bernera, just off the Isle of Lewis, before moving to the mainland when he was five.

He attended Cross Arthurlie Primary and Barrhead High and later worked as a laboratory technician at Paisley Grammar School.

Iain also taught music to pupils at schools across East Renfrewshire, including Carlibar Primary, Hillview Primary, Barrhead High and Williamwood High.

Now, more than £3800 has been raised to remember Iain by placing a memorial bench near Neilston’s Kingston Park.

Matt Drennan, Secretary of the Neilston War Memorial Association, and friend to Iain, set up the JustGiving page.

He told the Barrhead News: “I had initially set it up for £1500 and there was a lot of people contributing - we are now sitting at £3865 and it has only been going since last week. It is going to be on the High Street in Neilston.

“We’re looking to install the commemorative bench, made by Oglivies Kilmarnock and dress the area with a couple of flower beds each side of the bench.

“Iain took the Neilston District Pipe Band and the name of our village all around the world and now, our village looks to commemorate and salute Ian’s outstanding talent and visionary wisdom.”

If you would like to donate, visit HERE.