2019 Obit: Billy Craib, Edinburgh bassist/singer

Subject: Obit: Billy Craib, Edinburgh bassist/singer
From: Jack Campin
Date: 12 Jul 19 - 06:10 AM

I just read on Facebook that Billy Craib has died suddenly - terrific bass player who used to work with Jim Johnstone's band (as good as it gets in Scottish dance music) and more recently a regular in the Captains Bar in Edinburgh, both on the bass and as a singer/guitarist. Friendly and unpretentious bloke.

Anybody know more?

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Billy Craib, Edinburgh bassist/singer
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jul 19 - 06:49 PM

Hi folks.

Yes sad news indeed. Billy Craib was well known in the traditional dance bands. In his time he played in the White Heather Club. In Jim Johnstones band and also in "Jamies" Scottish night at the King James Hotel.
To us latterly he was a good friend. He played double bass in a fabulous band "Hahnemanns Pills" (Henry Ibbs, Eddy Hanson, Sarah Maacgregor) and was a regular player at Captains bar in Edinburgh. After he retired it was for fun only. He was a true gentleman. Always had time to tell a story. Hed travelled the world with his music.
He recieved an award in June 2019 in Dundee for lifetime service to Scottish dance music (Box and fiddle).
He was originally from Kirriemuir but had made his home in Edinburgh. He collapsed on Thursday 11th July while out shopping.
He will be missed.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Billy Craib, Edinburgh bassist/singer
From: GUEST,Margaret Ferguson Burns
Date: 14 Jul 19 - 05:04 PM

Today at the Captain's Bar in Edinburgh there was a fine tribute session for Billy - very well attended by folk who have played, sung, jammed...alongside Billy and enjoyed his playing, improvisation, entertainment, good nature.
Lots of friends and acquaintances, moved to tears and shocked at his sudden passing - heartfelt words, music and song. xx

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Billy Craib, Edinburgh bassist/singer
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 Jul 19 - 06:56 PM

I didn't know Billy as well as some, but was well aware of his presence in both Captain's Bar and The Royal Oak, and him humping that double bass across the street between the two pubs.
He was a great singer and guitarist too.
Funeral details have just been put out on Facebook: Tuesday 23rd July at Mortonhall Crematorium (main chapel) at 15.00.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Billy Craib, Edinburgh bassist/singer
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jul 19 - 01:31 PM

Billy was also a fine composer and composed two cracking marches both recorded by the Jim Johnstone Scottish Dance Band with whom he played bass.
The Disused Railway is a catchy wee tune in 9/8 tempo while Craiglockhart was a good going 4/4.
(Craiglockhart I believe was originally called Hammy The Hamster's Farewell To Hutchison House and written to mark the family moving house/ The title was considered too long for putting on the record sleeve)
RIP Billy