Owners of the famous Morino

button key accordion got together during the annual Shand Morino Gathering yesterday to commemorate the instrument made famous by the legendary Sir Jimmy Shand.

An Irish band legend and friend of the late Sir Jimmy Shand was guest of honour at this year’s Shand Morino Gathering in Fife.

Donal Ring, who this year celebrated 60 years as a professional musician, joined accordion enthusiasts at the Greig Institute in Windygates, pictured, to celebrate the Shand Morino instrument played by Sir Jimmy, who died in 2000 aged 92.

It was 50 years ago that Donal acquired his own Shand Morino, of which only about 30 were made, and had it tuned by the “Laird of Auchtermuchty”, as Sir Jimmy was known. Donal went on to become an international star and win many awards.

During his stay in the area he paid tribute to his friend by visiting his statue in Auchtermuchty and taking to the stage at Letham Village Hall with fellow Irish musicians including Shand Morino player Dermot Lyons.