Stornoway RNLI fundraising gig in Woodlands

A night of musical entertainment in memory of the late Malcolm Cross is to take place in the Woodlands Centre on Saturday, April 30^th.

‘Malcolm’s Memorial Gig’ will raise funds for Stornoway RNLI, as well as see the launch of Lewis band The Shed’s latest EP ‘Always Ask The Question’.

The fundraising gig, which also includes sets from Iain ‘Neosa’ Mackinnon and Battle of the Bands’ ‘Best Cover’ winners 2016, brother and sister Calum and Niamh Blane, has been organised by Malcolm’s daughter Rose Bugler to celebrate the life of ‘quite a character’.

Malcolm and Rose moved to Lewis in 2013, drawn by the family’s love of traditional boats.

“My dad sailed from when he was little, he taught me and my brothers how to sail and in turn I taught my own boys,” Rose said.

“We came here for the traditional boats and as my dad was nearing 90, he enjoyed walking around the harbour and marina and checking out what was going on.”

Members of Stornoway Rowing Club and Falmadair Marine Society, Malcolm loved to get out on the water, Rose continued, and that a chance to helm the ‘Jubilee’ sgoth had been thoroughly enjoyed.

“He was quite game and quite a character,” she said. “And he made a lot of contacts up here and was well known.

“He was a regular at the gym in Stornoway and was the gym’s most elderly user – he even went on the rowing machine at the gym the day after his 90^th birthday!”

During his final years, Malcolm received a lot of support from staff at Western Isles Hospital, as well as from Crossroads and the Red Cross, for which Rose is very thankful.

And she’s keen to raise funds for a charity that was dear to her late father, as she added: “The RNLI has always been a close charity to the family so it is fitting to raise money for the RNLI as all proceeds from the night will go to Stornoway Lifeboat.

“And the people who are playing are friends that we got to know when we moved here, so I’m sure he’d approve of the night.”

Formed only a few years ago, The Shed is a musical family affair – Iain ‘Neosa’ Mackinnon joined with brother in law Gerry Blane and Gerry’s son and daughter Calum and Niamh; as well as Gerry’s drumming neighbour Ken Maclennan.

“We are delighted to be asked to play at the RNLI fundraiser,” said Gerry of the upcoming show.

“The RNLI, as recent events prove, are vital to our Island shoreline and the safety of the people of the Western Isles and the people who visit our shores,” he continued.

“The tragedy of the Louisa brings this home to us and there may not have been any survivors if it was not for the Coastguard and the RNLI crews being at hand.

“As a community we cannot praise them enough for the work they do and this fundraiser is one small way that people can show their support.”

The Woodlands show will also see The Shed launch their latest five track EP – ‘Always Ask The Question’ – and a percentage of the CD sales will be donated to Amnesty International.

‘Malcolm’s Memorial Gig’ takes place on Saturday, April 30^th, doors open at 7.30pm, tickets priced £5 available on the door.

// //

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles