MORAG DUNBAR
by Carole Prior
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 took place on Tuesday 9th June 2026 at 1pm at Mortonhall Crematorium (main chapel) 30B Howden Hall Rd, Edinburgh EH16 6TX and afterwards at Currie Rugby Club, Malleny Park, Balerno EH14 7AF where the celebration of her life with music songs and stories amongst friends and family continued for several hours. Both were very well attended.
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 committment 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.