Fife organist recognised in Scottish Parliament for 60 year playing service
Published on 12 September 2023 1 minute read
A Fife man has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for dedicating 60 years of his life to playing the organ in church.
Ian Ogilvie of Linktown Church in Kirkcaldy was acclaimed by cross-party MSPs who thanked him for his service to his craft.
His achievements are set out in a motion lodged by David Torrance, MSP for Kirkcaldy.
Mr Ogilvie started taking organ lessons at Dunfermline Abbey when he was 17 in 1963 after a decade of playing the piano.
"I am very honoured to receive this recognition," said the retired accountant.
"I enjoy playing the organ and leading the singing and other musical activities in the church."
Mr Ogilvie started his playing career as an organist in the EU Congregational Church before taking up the post of organist and choirmaster at Sinclairtown Church, which later became Viewforth Parish Church.
He moved to Kirkcaldy Old Kirk in 1988 and stayed there until 2001 when he took up his current role at Linktown Church.
In addition to playing the organ during worship services, weddings and funerals, Mr Ogilvie has performed for BBC radio broadcasts and has played the Wurlitzer organ in Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Dedication
Stewart Milne, session clerk at Linktown Church, said the congregation is very proud of their music maestro and his Scottish Parliament recognition is "well deserved".
"I have known Ian for a long time and music has been his life even though it was not his profession," he added.
"He just loves music and is an extremely pleasant guy who is very popular.
"He will fall into anything we want and do whatever he can to help out.
"Even though Ian enjoys playing the organ so much, it is quite a commitment to be involved in the church every Sunday morning on top of all the other things he does."
Mr Ogilvie has been married for 52 years and he and his wife have two daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandsons.
