A new charity set up to continue the legacy of an acclaimed Lewis music teacher will
be launched with a grand concert later this month.
Douglas Leadbitter was described as being part of the musical fabric of Lewis decades
by the Nicolson Institute where he was a former principal teacher of music.
The concert aims to collect donations towards the Douglas Leadbitter Legacy initiative,
which has been established by his friends and family to assist aspiring musicians
from Lewis and Harris pursue their musical education or career after leaving school.
Cath Fish, one of the board of nine charity trustees, said: “I am delighted to be
able to remember Douglas in this way. The concert will be a fitting tribute to Douglas,
who devoted so much of his time, talent, and enthusiasm, over more than five decades,
to encouraging young people to enjoy and excel at musical performances.”
Born in Hexham in 1951, Douglas moved to Lewis in 1976 after spotting a music teacher
posting advertised at the Nicolson Institute.
He remained at the school, becoming principal teacher of music, until retiring in
the late 1990s.
However, he continued to support school musical productions, invigilating SQA exams,
and tutoring individuals privately.
Outside school life, Douglas formed the choral group The Stornoway Singers in 1982
and remained as conductor until 2012. He regularly played organ at Martin’s Memorial
Church and continued to encourage youth participation in music as a director with
Young Musicians Hebrides.
Douglas passed away suddenly in May 2024, and the Douglas Leadbitter Legacy has been
established to continue his passion for musical excellence and endeavour.
The grand concert is set to reflect his musical life and the huge contribution he
made to music in the Western Isles.
Alongside the Stornoway Singers and Alchemy, the event will feature pupils, and former
pupils, of the Nicolson Institute performing in the school’s Concert Band, the Ceilidh
Band, and various soloists, as well as the NYCOS, formerly National Youth Choir of
Scotland, who will sing as a tribute to Douglas’ work with the Young Musician of
the Year competition.
The concert takes place at the Nicolson Institute at 7pm on 19 June. Entry is by
donation - a minimum of £10 is suggested. A raffle will be held and refreshments
will be available for purchase with all proceeds going towards the work of the new
fund.
Grand concert to launch new charity in memory of much-loved music teacher
4 June 2025