Tribute to Ian Green

We were very saddened to hear of the passing on 10^th March 2024 of our former Trustee, Ian Green, after a short illness. Ian’s contribution to the world of Scottish traditional music was quite simply immense. During a long and distinguished career in the police, Ian established and ran several folk clubs in Edinburgh, and on retiring from the force, set up the record label Greentrax Recordings. His dedication and infectious enthusiasm for the music he released earned him great respect and admiration from artists and customers alike, and his wise counsel and expertise was sought after across the nation and well beyond.

Ian was a huge fan of Gordon and his music, and released all three of his solo albums as well as the ‘Just For Gordon’ collection and the live recording of the first Gordon Duncan tribute concert held in Perth and released as ‘A National Treasure’ in 2008. He also registered all of Gordon’s compositions through his publishing company, Grian Music, ensuring that Gordon received the royalties that were due to him. Gordon always referred to Ian as ‘the Boss’, and the two became close friends. Ian was immensely proud when Gordon composed a tune in his honour, ‘Ian Green of Greentrax’ which has become a modern classic played by thousands across the world.

Following Gordon’s passing in 2005, Ian became a founding member of the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, acting as the ‘business brain’ and serving as Treasurer for several years. His knowledge, experience and contacts were essential to our work, and he contributed a great deal for many years until stepping down in 2023.

We were proud to call Ian our colleague and friend, and he will be greatly missed.