Accordionist Fergie MacDonald dies aged 86

The acclaimed Scottish accordionist Fergie MacDonald has died aged 86.

MacDonald was nicknamed "the Ceilidh King" and played an important role in popularising the West Highland style of Scottish dance music throughout a lengthy career.

He was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his services to traditional music.

In a social media post his family stated he had died at his home in Moidart near Fort William "peacefully surrounded by his family and listening to the music he loved so much."

MacDonald was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021, but continued to be involved in music, with his last album Barra released in 2022 - 60 years on from his first release.

He was estimated to have released about 50 records throughout his career. He topped the Scottish pop charts with a version of Loch Maree Islands in 1966.

Gary Innes, the presenter of BBC Radio Scotland's Take the Floor programme, worked with MacDonald on several occasions. He told Good Morning Scotland he was "like no-one else you've ever met" and a "national treasure."

He added: "What he gave to the world was immeasurable. He revolutionised the West Coast style of playing."

Fergie MacDonald at the MG Alba FilmG awards in 2016

In their online tribute his family said: "Dad was a pillar of strength and we know meant so much to so many. He gave us all a life full of joy, fun, craic and nonsense.

"His music and character we all knew so well will live on and continue to give us happiness and joy."

Dozens of tributes have been paid to MacDonald on social media, including from modern trad bands Skerryvore and Skipinnish, and from the organisers of Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival.

As well as his music, MacDonald was an accomplished clay pigeon shooter who won 14 caps for Scotland.