Obituary: Margaret Dugan, singer, 74

Tributes have been paid to Margaret Dugan, a popular singer in the Lothians, who passed away recently, aged 74.

Born in the Penicuik area in 1935 she worked with an insurance firm in Edinburgh as a clerk before marrying husband Robert in 1957 and helping him with the family haulage business.

However, after giving birth to her two daughters she decided to embark upon something additional in life, despite the demands of work and motherhood.

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Recalling fondly memories of being in the Sunbeams during the war, she decided to revisit her hobby of singing, and joined a dramatics company.

Her daughter Laura Butler said she lived an incredibly active life right up until her death, particularly with her involvement in a local amateur dramatic society.

She said: "Her energy was amazing, she never stopped. I don't know how she did it.

"She was well known in Penicuik and well liked, she was a real character."

"I think she loved being on stage and loved to perform."

Robin Whike, chairman of the Bohemians Lyric Opera Company in the city, paid tribute to Mrs Dugan, saying fellow members would be saddened by her passing.

"Margaret Dugan was an active and fiercely loyal member of the Bohemians for many years," he said.

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"She played several leading roles over the years and I was lucky enough to share the King's stage with her.

"She was a very fine soprano and sang regularly with and was convener of an active concert party."

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He also said that despite being one of the most talented members, she was also prepared to do the less glamorous roles.

"She was by no means a temperamental artiste.

"She played several leading roles for us including parts in Call Me Madame, Fiddler on the Roof and a production called Irene, where she played the part of Geraldine O'Dare – she was excellent with an Irish accent.

"But if one year she didn't get a leading part she'd be more than happy to put her name down for the chorus, and would always work hard doing things others didn't want to, and never missed an AGM.

"Margaret was hugely liked and respected here by everyone involved and we were very sad to hear of her passing."

Her funeral was well attended on 1 April, despite the terrible weather.

Mrs Butler added: "I did think it was typical of her to not do things the easy way when I saw all that snow.

"We thought we weren't going to be able to go ahead, but the sun came out."

She is survived by daughters Hazel and Laura, and grandchildren Jennifer, Gillian, Megan and Jack.