Tributes paid to musician described as 'national treasure'

Tributes have been paid to a Highland musician described as a "national treasure" who has died at the age of 94.

Angus Grant, known as the left-handed Lochaber fiddle player, was responsible for teaching hundreds of young pupils across the region, as well as further afield.

He was heavily involved in the Fèis movement, including both the Lochaber and Acharacle Fèisean, which provided traditional musical tuition to youngsters.

He was a fluent Gaelic speaker, who grew up in Fort Augustus and started playing at the age of 13, after being given a fiddle by his uncle.

Later he moved to Fort William and, despite holding down a full-time job, he continued to teach.

Once his pupils reached a certain level, he presented them with a red tassel so it was known they had been taught by Grant.

Lochaber accordion player Gary Innes, who often played alongside him, said he was nothing short of a national treasure.

He added: "What he gave Lochaber and Highland fiddle music is possibly unmatched and with his own tuition of hundreds and hundreds of pupils over the years and never taking a single penny, is just remarkable.

"What an incredible legacy he leaves behind."

Lochaber Clarsach player, Ingrid Henderson, was taught by Grant alongside her brothers and sisters.

She said he was an authority on Lochaber and its music.

She added: "It wasn't just music that we learned.

"We were learning about history, folklore and the stories behind the music we were learning."

Inverness-based musician and fiddle player, Bruce MacGregor, said the word legend was not adequate to cover the contribution Angus had made through his playing, stories, knowledge and ability to teach.

Grant was the father of Shooglenifty's Angus R Grant who died, aged 49, in 2016.