BY JACKIE MACKENZIE
Tributes have poured in for a “kind soul” and talented musician from Wester Ross who was allegedly murdered in Inverness.
Emergency services were called to a property in the city’s Strathspey Place at around 8.30am on Thursday 4th December.
Iain-Gordon Macfarlane (32), who was originally from Ullapool, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 52-year-old man was arrested in connection with the death and appeared in court on Monday.
Gifted musician Mr Macfarlane had been a regular participant of Fèis Rois as a youngster and was a former pupil of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton.
He played regularly at the Bike Shed in Inverness and the Discovery College charity hub in the Eastgate shopping precinct.
His parents Christine and Marshall Macfarlane live in Ullapool, where the Lochbroom and Coigach Free Church held a service on Sunday evening to bring the community together and offer comfort.
Paying tribute, Fèis Rois said: “Our hearts go out to the Macfarlane family on the tragic loss of Iain-Gordon.
“Like his sister, Kirsty-Anne, Iain-Gordon came through all of our programmes – weekly classes, Fèis weeks, and the Cèilidh Trail. He then taught some classes for Fèis Rois in Ullapool and took part in international exchange projects, including trips to Wales, Ireland and Switzerland, and he performed with Fèis Rois at Cambridge Folk Festival, Belladrum and on the BBC.
“Iain was a talented fiddle player, guitarist and singer who brought joy to so many people through his music.
“We are sending all our love and strength to Christine, Marshall and Kirsty-Anne at this heartbreaking time for their family.”
The Discovery Centre in Inverness also paid tribute and said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we are devastated to tell you of the sudden death of Iain-Gordon Macfarlane – our lovely Iain.
“Iain has been an important and well-loved member of our community here at the Discovery College since we opened. His humour, his kindness and of course, his amazing musical talents have touched the hearts of all of us.”
People also left tributes to Mr Macfarlane on social media.
Annmaree Bain said: “A beautiful kind soul taken way too soon, very much loved and sorely missed.”
Jenny Thom posted: “Iain was a lovely kind human … my little great granddaughter loved dancing to his music. He will be very sadly missed.”
Debbi McMurdo commented: “He was a true friend. Kind to his core, endlessly talented, and someone whose music and words always stayed with you long after the last note was played. It’s hard to believe someone with a spirit that bright is gone.”