The Scottish brass band movement is mourning the loss of one of its most popular figures following the death on 17th June of Jim Stewart. He was aged 89.

A stalwart of the Scottish Brass Band Association, his was a lifelong commitment and love of brass banding spanning eight decades. He remained actively involved as a proud SBBA Honorary Vice President, as well as Honorary President of the West of Scotland Brass Band Association.

Eight decades

Jim started playing the soprano with Kilbirnie Band in North Ayrshire as a child, going on to become a member of the Salvation Army Band and, during his National Service, serving in the RAF where he also played.

He joined the Galston Burgh in 1949 and played soprano until their amalgamation with Newmilns in 1990.

A respected performer he won the 'Best Soprano' prize at the Strathclyde Charities Band Contest against 28 other bands, and played the 'Last Post' with at the Kilmarnock Citadel on Remembrance Sunday until 2019.

Dedicated

Alongside his brother John, they remained dedicated members of Galston Band, teaching local children and organising a tour to Germany in 1981. Between them, they created a lifetime of music making for many children, some of whom are still part of the band some 50 years later.

Both men also played an important part in keeping brass banding alive in the Irvine valley. Jim was also the long standing representative at SBBA from 1973 and was awarded a life membership medal in 1988.

Even after his retirement Jim, whose son Ian also played with Galston, continued to take part in a variety of engagements and was still marching well into his 80s. When he stopped playing full time he continued to serve as a highly regarded administrator.

A fine man, loving husband and father, witty, warm, generous and supportive of all in the banding movement, he will be greatly missedSBBA

Constant fixture

A long-serving member of the West of Scotland Brass Band Association, becoming Honorary President, Jim was presented with its Award of Merit medal in 1979, and with his wife Mary, was a constant fixture at band contests, most recently the Scottish Championships at Perth.

His funeral took place at Holmsford Bridge Crematorium at Dreghorn on 30th June, where Newmilns & Galston Band was represented at the ceremony by Gary Kelly.

A fine man, loving husband and father, witty, warm, generous and supportive of all in the banding movement, he will be greatly missed.