Roy Williamson (1936-1990) |
 Roy Williamson was born in Edinburgh in 1936 where
his father, Archibald, was an advocate. His grandfather had been brought up on a farm near
Duffus, Morayshire, and it was this connection, together with his schooling theme, that
led Roy always referring to himself as a "Moray Loon". His mother played the
piano, which makes it surprising he never managed to read music. At school, he learned to
play the recorder by ear, pretending to read the music in front of him, but he was eventually found out and banned from music lessons !At the age of 8, he went to Wester Elchies School, and from there to Aberlour House and then Gordonstoun. Spending his youth in the district made him feel that Moray was his home, and it was always his desire to return, which he eventually did, spending his last years in Forres. On leaving school, he taught seamanship and navigation at Roy was a man of many talents. As well as being a musician, he was an artist, potter, woodworker and sportsman. In his youth he was an athlete, boxer, and played rugby for Edinburgh Wanderers. His love was the sea and he remained a keen sailor throughout his life. His strong determination to succeed in his many endeavours was the outcome of his struggle against ill health. From his earliest years he suffered severe asthma attacks. Before each concert series he would cease his treatment and provoke severe attacks, thereby gaining immunity for the duration of the tour. This strong will power marked all his achievements. |
Burghead, before going to Edinburgh College of Art, and then
qualifying as an art teacher in Edinburgh. At college he began playing skiffle and folk
music, and it was there that he first met Ronnie Browne, the beginning of a partnership
which lasted over thirty years.