Bon-Accord honours founder Stewart Watson with commemorative plaque

Bon-Accord Silver Band members will honour the life of the band’s founder and conductor, the late Stewart Watson MBE, when a plaque dedicated to his memory will be unveiled in the David Welch Winter Gardens in Aberdeen by the Lord Provost during the first of three Christmas concerts in the location on Saturday 14 December as part of the city’s seasonal celebrations.

Bon-Accord was formed in 1962 by Stewart Watson who worked for Aberdeen Music Services as a brass instructor. He wanted to create a band where young brass players could continue to play after they left school.

Now over 60 years old, Bon-Accord also has established a B band. To this day both bands still promote the ethos of its founder, to have a place where players can come to play at rehearsals, perform at concerts and compete in contests.

The Silver Band is a registered charity and is entirely self funded, playing at events in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The band has represented Aberdeen and Scotland at events both nationally and in Europe.

The commemorative plaque was funded by donations from friends of Stewart, and former and current players in the band.

“We are proud to be able to have the plaque in a place where the band has played many times and entertained the Aberdeen public,” said a spokesperson. “Stewart loved showing off his band and the Christmas concerts in the David Welch Winter Gardens were events he greatly enjoyed, therefore making this a fitting time and place to unveil the memorial plaque.”

Bon-Accord Silver Band has been busy preparing for Christmas with festive concerts on Sunday 8 December at the Fountainhall Church at the Stocket. The first will be at 3pm for children and then at 7pm as the band’s annual Christmas Concert and Carol Sing-A-Long.