The resident of a Hanover Scotland sheltered housing development in Stonehaven and one of Scotland’s greatest exponents of the tin whistler has been inducted into the prestigious Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, alongside notable names including Billy Connolly and Gaelic singer-songwriter Cathy Ann MacPhee.

Known to some as ‘The Turra (Turriff) Tootler’, Alex Green was born in Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire in 1930 and has dedicated his entire life to championing the lesser-known instrument, spending countless hours teaching workshops and evening classes in and around Aberdeenshire. In the early to mid-1970s he also played in the well-known Jack Sinclair Showband, entertaining audiences across Aberdeenshire and the Highlands with Jack Sinclair on the accordion, George Sim on drums, and Eileen Petrie on keyboard.

Mr Green was one of 20 performers and influential stars inducted into Hands Up for Trad’s Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame at the end of October. Started in 2005, the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame celebrates the influence of the numerous musicians and industry people who have helped make traditional music what it is today.

Mr Green said: “I am pleased and honoured to be recognised is such a manner. I have dedicated almost my entire life to the instrument and I hope that being recognised in this way it might encourage more young people to take it up the tin whistle.

“I have very fond memories of my time in the Jack Sinclair Showband as well as of performing with my wife on the accordion in front of audiences across Aberdeenshire, Rio de Janero and Argentina. There is something very special about the way the sounds of these two instruments coalesce.”

Cearda McGregor, Hanover Court sheltered housing manager, added: “It is quite special to have a local celebrity in our midst. The residents at Hanover Court were delighted to hear of Mr Green’s success and what he has achieved. His induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame is undeniably deserved.”

More information about Mr Green’s career and life can be found here.