THE MEMORY of a Perthshire musician famous throughout the world is to be forever kept alive following the establishment of a trust fund in his name.

Gordon Duncan, who died in December 2005 aged just 41, was renowned as a piper and composer.

The trust established in his name will aim to raise funds for the promotion of piping and other forms of traditional music across Scotland.

“Gordon, from Pitlochry, was widely regarded as one of the most skilled and innovative traditional music performers and composers of modern times,” said a spokesman.

“His influence can be heard within an entire generation of younger musicians across Scotland and well beyond.”

The specific aims of the trust include the “advancement of education of young Scots by encouraging participation in, and the study of, all forms of traditional music.”

Trust members are also committed to promoting the performance, study and composition of such music, in particular the bagpipe.

Fund-raising has now begun and it is planned to announce the first call for applications to the trust from early next year.

The spokesman said several initiatives were already proving popular.

“Gordon was one of the finest pipe music composers of modern times, although he did not always get around to naming all of his tunes,” he said.

“This summer the trust will run a raffle to give someone the chance to name one of Gordon’s compositions—and it is a cracking tune.

“The winner will be drawn at a fund-raising concert in Perth on September 29,” the spokesman continued.

“The concert itself will feature a galaxy of stars from the piping and traditional music scene to celebrate Gordon’s music, his influence and his immense contribution to Scotland’s musical landscape.

“The line-up will include Dougie Maclean, Session A9, Duncan Chisholm, Ross Ainslie, Jarlath Henderson, Ally Hutton, the Atholl Highlanders Pipe Band and many more.”

Tickets are available from Perth Concert Hall, at www.horsecross.co.uk or telephone 0845 6126324.

For further information on the work of the trust or to make a donation visit www.gordonduncan.co.uk

The board of trustees comprises members of Gordon’s family and friends and others who are active in the field of Scottish traditional music.