‘The death of Robert McCreath, MBE, a former president of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, at the Victoria Infirmary on January 25, has shocked and deeply grieved his many friends and colleagues in the city and far beyond. They join with me in extending our sincere sympathy to his brothers and immediate relatives.
Robert’s association with piping and pipe bands goes back for well over half a century. His piping days began in the long established nursery of pipers and drummers – the Boys’ Brigade – and it is a hallmark of his dedication and service that at the time of his death he was still interested and active in both these pursuits, the Boys’ Brigade and pipe bands.
As he progressed through adolescence his piping skills led him into the more testing field of adult Piper bands and it was while a member of the MacLean Pipe Band in Glasgow that he came under the influence of the Pipe Major of the Band – Willie Sloan, BEM. Pipe Major Willie Sloan’s zeal and enthusiasm for piping and drumming led to the formation of the Scottish Pipe Band Association in 1930 and Robert was, as it were, in at the birth.
He has served the association in many and varied ways. Take any facet of the operation – large or small – and Robert was involved. He played in the contests, he stewarded, he compiled points, he adjudicated, and proved to be an administrator of exceptional ability. His years of faithful service and diligence was recognised when he was appointed president of the association in 1977.
Throughout his busy life, Robert maintained his deep involvement in the Boys’ Brigade and over the years was band convener of the Glasgow Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade, which in itself was a task of mammoth proportions. His war service was with the RAF and on cessation of hostilities he was quickly back in his world of pipes and drums.
Robert McCreath did not seek the limelight or personal glory but as a real gentleman and diplomat it was inevitable that his personal attributes and sterling qualities made people seek his guidance and wise counsel. He will be remembered not only as an outstanding servant of the RSPBA but a man whose firm handshake and friendly greeting made those who met him feel the better of having done so.”