Winifred “Winnie” MacLeod

Mrs. Winifred MacLeod, wife of the late Pipe-Major Donald MacLeod, M.B.E., passed away November 5, 2010, after several months of ill health. Mrs. MacLeod is survived by daughters Susan and Fiona, and their extended family.

“Winnie” MacLeod was partner to her husband’s many successful years as a soldier, teacher, businessman and successful competitor. Following the untimely death of Donald MacLeod in 1982, it was Winnie who decided to make available his extensive library of recorded piobaireachd, and with the assistance of family and friends, assembled the 21 volumes of the series.

Of that accomplishment, John Wilson said [Volume 21, liner notes], “Mrs. MacLeod, Susan and Fiona are to be congratulated on their endeavour and commitment in seeing this project through to its completion. This has established Donald’s collection of tutorials as one of the most significant teaching aides and compilation of reference material available in the public arena in recent times – a major contribution to the development of piping.”

Apart from her work on the series, Mrs. MacLeod kept pace with developments in the piping world, and she attended the annual Pipe-Major Donald MacLeod Memorial Competition each year in Stornoway. She had firm views on pipes and piping, and maintained a strong interest in the music and the players.

A service will be held in Glasgow on Wednesday, November 9th.

pipes|drums expresses condolences to the MacLeod family at this time.