This weekend Orkney lost one of its best known sons on the death of John Mason.
John was born in Orkney and brought up south but loved his native place of birth. John learned to play music at an early age and went on to become the leader of the "Scottish Fiddle Orchestra" and the smaller group from that orchestra that became "The Strings of Scotland". It was as the Strings of Scotland that they toured here in Orkney and they were so well received by us all. John rearranged the wonderful Ronnie Aim tune "The Heroes of Longhope" and played it so hauntingly all over the world as a tribute to our lost souls, and for so much more we are indebted to his ability as one of Scotland s greatest men of music.
To all his relatives we must offer our condolences at this sad time and must thank the late John for what memories and music he has left us with. He will be remembered here in Orkney and far beyond for a very long time.
Added by John Budge on 23 January 2011
Well said John, I had the pleasure of meeting him about a year ago, I was shopping in LIDL's in Irvine, and overheard an Orkney accent, being curious I had to enquire who he was , and it was indeed John Mason, we had a good blether. He will be missed .
The Late John Mason
This weekend Orkney lost one of its best known sons on the death of John Mason. John was born in Orkney and brought up south but loved his native place of birth. John learned to play music at an early age and went on to become the leader of the "Scottish Fiddle Orchestra" and the smaller group from that orchestra that became "The Strings of Scotland". It was as the Strings of Scotland that they toured here in Orkney and they were so well received by us all. John rearranged the wonderful Ronnie Aim tune "The Heroes of Longhope" and played it so hauntingly all over the world as a tribute to our lost souls, and for so much more we are indebted to his ability as one of Scotland s greatest men of music. To all his relatives we must offer our condolences at this sad time and must thank the late John for what memories and music he has left us with. He will be remembered here in Orkney and far beyond for a very long time.