2026 Obit: Morag Dunbar (Scotland)

Subject: Obit: Morag Dunbar (Scotland)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Jun 26 - 12:25 PM

I am posting below the lovely tribute that Carole Prior wrote on her Facebook page,following the recent loss of our very dedicated Balerno Folk Club Convener, Morag Dunbar. This is with Carole's permission: note that funeral details are included. There have been many other kind words said on various Facebook sites, including those in Ireland which Morag regularly visited.

“I am sure that many friends will already know that sadly we lost Morag Dunbar on Tuesday 12th May 2026. She had been suffering serious ill health for some time.
Her funeral will take place on Tuesday 9th June 2026 at 1pm at Mortonhall Crematorium (main chapel) 30B Howdenhall Rd, Edinburgh EH16 6TX and afterwards at Currie Rugby Club, Malleny Park, Balerno EH14 7AF where it is hoped to continue the celebration of her life with music songs and stories amongst friends and family.
Morag's love of Scotland was central to the person she was and this was reflected in all aspects of her life. She graduated from Edinburgh University with an honours degree in Scottish history and went on to have a career with the Scottish Examination Board, where she was a key person involved in getting Traditional music included in the Scottish school curriculum.
Taking early retirement, Morag then undertook training to become a Blue Badge tour guide. Putting her Scottish history knowledge to work, she driver-guided many people who had diverse interests around Scotland. - The Gerard Butler Fan Club - Genealogy enthusiasts - and a multitude of Outlander fans wishing to follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire Fraser! - to name but a few. She also was involved in tour guide training.
A lifelong supporter of Independence, Morag had joined the SNP in university days, and actively gave support through fundraising by organising legendary Burns Suppers for the Balerno Branch for many years as well as working as a parliamentary assistant to Linda Fabiani MSP.
Her interest in Scottish music was lifelong. - she was an original member of the Heretics in 1970 and involved in setting up Balerno Folk Club around 1980 along with other local enthusiasts. Her strong commitment to convening this club has been unwavering. In 2020, Morag's huge contribution to Scottish music was recognised when she was inducted into the Traditional Scottish Music Hall of Fame for a 'Services to Community' Award. Unfortunately, due to Covid, we were not able to celebrate this achievement with her as we would have wished.
There is no doubt that Morag was a 'wumman o' mony pairts' - who was modest about her own talents and achievements. She was a loyal and true friend to many of us - kind, reliable and not afraid to speak her mind. She was much loved and will be much missed.”

And here is a link to the Scottish Trad Awards Hall of Fame description of her life in Folk Music:
Hall of Fame - Morag Dunbar
The club will go on, as she would have wished, but as Carole said, she is very much missed.

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Morag Dunbar (Scotland)
From: Johnny J
Date: 01 Jun 26 - 02:07 PM

Yes, that was sad news.

I have known Morag since the late seventies. She was very prominent on Edinburgh Folk Club scene back then at most of the local clubs and sessions.

When Balerno Folk Club was formed in the early eighties, many people regarded it as a replacement for the old Police Folk Club. It had a very similar style and, in fact, one of the early stalwarts at Balerno was Alex Hood who ran Fuzz Folk in the latter days after Iain Green stood down. Many of the audience members were the same too and the likes of Liz and Maggie Cruickshank, Janet Weatherston etc just moved West. ;-)

Of course, over the years, the Balerno Folk developed its own "the one and only" identity but Morag was always at the centre of proceedings.

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Morag Dunbar (Scotland)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 02 Jun 26 - 10:57 AM

The loss of a folk club stalwart is always to be lamented. Morag had great enthusiasm for folk music for most of her life and will be missed by all those who know her and love her. I have added her name to the "In Memoriam" roll and send my condolences to her family. RIP.