Kirkcaldy violin claims its place in hero's story

The instrument came into the hands of the Lang Toun’s only professional violin-maker earlier this year, but luthier David Rattray had no idea how important it was .

He only knew that the instrument had originally been made in Kirkcaldy.

After doing some research, Mr Rattray was amazed to discover that the violin actually belonged to the World War Onel hero, Private Robert Dunsire VC.

Buckhaven-born Robert was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915 after he left the safety of the trenches to rescue two comrades stranded in no man’s land during the Battle of Loos in September 1915.

Following his award, he was given two weeks’ leave and, on returning to Fife, he received a hero’s welcome at numerous celebrations. Whilst at home he mentioned, in a newspaper interview, that his beloved violin had been lost in trenches.

After reading this, Peter Berry, a local joiner and luthier, presented Robert with this violin.

Sadly, Robert returned to the front line and was killed in action in January 1916. He was 24,

In recent times, the instrument found its way into an antique shop where it was bought by respected violinist Tony Moffat, who then passed it on to Mr Rattray.

He has since restored it and loaned it to Kirkcaldy Galleries for its current exhibition to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

Mr Rattray, of Balwearie Gardens, said: “Berry produced only a few violins – the example of 1915 being of particular interest mainly due to its provenance. It was Berry who generously took it upon himself to donate the instrument to Dunsire along with a case and bow.”

“Berry died in January 1939, but his violin survived the wars and, a few years ago, it found its way to a Dundee antique shop where it was purchased by Tony Moffat. I was interested in it because he said it was Kirkcaldy-made.”

Mr Rattray had always planned on gifting it to Kirkcaldy Galleries so people could see it on display.

He added: “I am so glad the public are are able to view this special instrument, particularly given the centenary of the Armistice.

“ The violin has now been fully restored to playing condition, it had a fine sweet tone, so I’m also delighted it will be played at a couple of planned museum events – Vince Gray, leader of the Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society, has agreed to give a couple of informal recitals, featuring light classical pieces WWI related.

“The plan is to donate the violin to Kirkcaldy museum in the new year but, before then, it is to be exhibited at a couple of additional events.”

Jane Freel, curator, ONFife Kirkcaldy Galleries, said: “The violin is on display as part of our ‘Lest We Forget’ exhibition which looks at the local war effort.”