The president of the Tiree Association between 1928 and 1931 was Hugh Alexander Low of 33 Woodend Drive, Jordanhill. His mother Jessie MacFadyen was from Barrapol. Born in Kinning Park, he worked as a surveyor, and played a part in the development of the Knightswood housing scheme in 1923.
He was very active during his term of office. He organised the first flight to Tiree in 1929 to coincide with Tiree Association Sports Day on The Reef.
https://www.aniodhlann.org.uk/?s=2000.229.1
The first plane to land on Tiree in 1929.
The Glasgow Tiree Association are making arrangements for a dramatic entertainment to be given in the Atheneum Theatre, Glasgow, on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February, the proceeds to be devoted to the development of the nursing services in Tiree. Through the good offices of the President, Mr Hugh Alexander Low, F.F.S. [Fellow of the Faculty of Surveyors], the Albany Players and The Quest will present ‘What it is to be young’’, a comedy in three acts, by James Bridie. The office-bearers of the Association are to be congratulated in their efforts to popularise drama among the Highlanders of Glasgow, and the proposed entertainment should make a strong appeal to Highlanders and their friends. Vouchers for reserved seats and tickets for unreserved seats may be had from Mr Hugh Alexander Low. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser 14 February 1931, 2)
https://www.aniodhlann.org.uk/object/2017-21-2/
The Tiree Association committee around 1930.
The munificence of Mr Hugh Alexander Low in endowing a ‘Tiree Bed’ in the Glasgow Western Infirmary, particulars of which were reported in last week’s issue, gives further proof of this gentleman’s interest in the welfare of Tiree and its people. This action is quite in keeping with the spirit of generosity that marks this public-spirited citizen. The donor dedicates his gift in memory of his parents, the late William and Jessie MacFadyen Low. His work on behalf of improved transport and his efforts to popularise the Highlands as offering unequalled attraction for holiday-makers are but a few of his many services which would help not only to benefit the Western Isles, but likewise the whole of our Scottish Highlands. Mr Low’s magnificent work in Highland causes is well known, and his very successful period of office as President of the Glasgow Tiree Association put that organisation in the forefront of our Highland Societies. Many people have much reason to be grateful to him for the uplift given to the study of Gaelic by the presentation in recent years of interesting dramatic themes bearing on Highland life. He contributed generously in this way. In such matters, Mr Low has been a pioneer. His latest act of kindness has been favourably commented upon as a worthy example of altruism among our citizens … Mr Low’s term of three years as President of the Tiree Association will remain a memorable epoch in its history. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 6 June 1931, 2)
We have to remind our Glasgow readers of the lecture entitled ‘A Trip to South Africa’ to be given by Mr Hugh Alexander Low to the members and friends of the Tiree Association in the Engineers’ Institute on 10th February. Mr Low, when on tour, met many Highlanders, and, being desirous of letting his Glasgow friends benefit by his itinerary, he took note of many items of interest which has enabled him to prepare a lecture which we have no doubt will attract a large gathering. The lecture will be illustrated by limelight views [a magic lantern]. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 6 February 1932, 2)
Mr Neil MacDonald, Convener of the School, presided at the closing meeting, the feature of which was the distribution of prizes gifted by Mr Hugh Alexander Low. Mr Low’s generosity is greatly appreciated by pupils, parents and staff. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 8 July 1933, 2)
Hugh Alexander Low died in 1934 at the age of 51. The 2/4 march ‘Hugh Alexander Low of Tiree’ by Hugh Campbell is widely played today.
A meeting of the [Tiree] Agricultural Show Committee was held at Scarinish … As the meeting was the first general one since February of last year, the members expressed their deep sense of loss at the death of their esteemed patron, Mr Hugh Alexander Low … Mr Low had taken a keen interest in, and had been a tower of strength to, the Show, and by his passing the whole island had lost a sincere and true friend. It was resolved to convey the committee’s deepest sympathy to Mrs Low. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 23 February 1935, 6)
Dr John Holliday