I am really sad to pass on the news that Jim Irvine died yesterday, aged 71, in Fazakerley hospital in Liverpool after a short illness. Jim was a stalwart at many sessions in Liverpool and further afield in Edinburgh, the Newcastleton Traditional Music Weekend, the Sun Inn in Dent, Monaive and many other places. He had a great store of songs and tunes, and he was always great company. I have sung with him in a few pubs in Liverpool; in the Lion, the Belvedere, the Baltic Fleet, and at the White Star where he played every Wednesday afternoon with the famous Button Street Badger Band. Jim occasionally posted to Mudcat as Jim I, usually as a guest, and his posts show a wide range of interests and a great knowledge of songs and their histories. His Scottish and Irish family background is very much reflected in his posts, and one great source of pride was a family connection to George Scroggie, the author of 'Tarwathie'. My condolences to Jim's wife, Kath, and their son, Richard, and to all Jim's family. He will be greatly missed, and I am very sad to lose a good friend. One day when it is safe to do so we will all gather to sing a few songs in his memory. Rest in peace, Jim.