Teacher, entertainer and golfer

Alistair McKenzie, teacher, musician, entertainer and golfer, of Grantown-on-Spey, has died aged 78.

He was lead singer with Badenoch and Strathspey band, Catmelodeon, which in 1989 recorded the album, It’s Catmelodeon.

Alistair also raised thousands of pounds for charities by entertaining at Christmas lights dances and care homes.

He was one of a group of committee members who battled to keep Grantown Golf Club afloat during a troubled period in the 1980s.

Alistair Law McKenzie was born in Aberdeen and educated at Mile End Primary School and then Aberdeen Grammar School.

He studied at Aberdeen University and graduated with an Honours degree in history.

Alistair began his working career at Elmwood Roman Catholic School in Lanarkshire before securing the job as principal teacher of history at Grantown Grammar School in 1974. He enjoyed a successful 30-year career at the school.

He had three children to his first wife, Duncan, Pamela and Sarah. After the break-up of that marriage Alistair married Stella McLeod from Dufftown in 1991. She was principal teacher of mathematics at Grantown Grammar.

Alistair was the secretary of Grantown Golf Club, and also held the positions of secretary, centenary secretary, club captain, club president and honorary member.

He and other committee members worked hard during the 1980s to keep Grantown Golf Club afloat during difficult financial times, by organising 200 club draws and other fundraising activities.

Alistair recorded a VE Day video with former Catmelodeon band member Dave Calder to keep theirs and other people’s spirits up during the first lockdown last year.

He thought it was important to highlight the combined spirit of the British people during times of adversity.

A GoFundMe site has been set up to raise money for Grantown Community Nurses and Marie Curie nurses.

A family spokesperson said: “Alistair was a talented, funny, knowledgeable, muchloved and respected man.”

TALENTED: Alistair McKenzie, who has died aged 78.