The people of Arranmore Island remember Alec Brown as being kind hearted

It was with great sadness the people of Arranmore Island heard of the passing of Alec Brown on Saturday, July 22, in Newtownards.

Alec was a piper and he was going to perform there that weekend. Alec was originally from Fife. He married Maria whose mother was from the island. They moved to the island in the late 2000’s with their children Teresa and Callum. Eck Broon as he was known to his army colleagues served his whole army career with The Black Watch, Royal Highland Regiment, amassing over 30 years of service. 

Joining as a private soldier and leaving as a Late Entry Major, a job that took him all over the world. Most notably serving as Pipe Major. When the family moved to the island they became central to the pipe band which has a proud tradition going back many generations. There were declining numbers in the band. They revived the band and put their own stamp on it. It was a proud day for the island when Alec led the band out at half time at the Aviva Stadium in a football qualifier between Ireland and Austria in March 2013. The band played at many festivals in the county every Summer. They would perform on the island on St Patrick's Day and Easter. Also at many important events on the island.

Alec was also a piper and instructor with the Raphoe Ulster Scots Pipe Band. This also brought Alec to many places around the world such as Russia, Germany and Kazakhstan. At many funerals and when the remains would return to the island Alec would play as a lone piper. In January every year Burns night became an annual event on the island thanks to Alec. He put his own unique style on the event. Along with that it raised money for a local cause every year. Alec achieved a lot in his life. It won't only be those things he will be remembered for, he will also be fondly remembered for the kind of person he was. Alec has left a huge loss to the island. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.