Emotions ran high during a tribute evening for a poet who worked with a young David Bowie before carving his own legacy in the north-east.
John Mackie died at Christmas, aged 70, after spending much of his life devoted to the arts.
Friends, musicians and fellow poets gathered at Lossiemouth’s Beach Bar last night to celebrate his life.
Some of his most poignant poems were recited and special songs dedicated to Mr Mackie were performed.
Organiser Yvonne Findlay said the “eclectic” night perfectly reflected the personality of her departed friend.
Mrs Findlay added: “There was a really interesting mix of musicians and performances – we had everything from sitars to didgeridoos.
“Friends of John’s performed some of his poetry, and we played recordings of John himself reading some of his own work.
“There were also some special compositions about him, which his friends came up with for the occasion.
“While I was preparing this event I was sometimes taken aback by how emotional the whole thing was.
“The response was overwhelming, we had people attend from as far as Aberdeen and there was a lovely atmosphere.”
Mr Mackie played alongside Pink Floyd and Marc Bolan in the 1960s, and penned some early lyrics for David Bowie who was later a fellow member of Djinn, a band formed by producer Tony Visconti.
The band split after a year but Bowie would later record Life is a Circus – which Mr Mackie helped to write.
In his later years, the wordsmith enjoyed nothing more than the Beach Bar’s weekly folk music evenings.
He would routinely travel from his home in Banff to the Moray town to enjoy the performances and share his passion for the scene.
But Beach Bar owner, Graham Fleming, said Mr Mackie never once mentioned his links with some of music’s most legendary figures.
Mr Fleming said: “I never knew anything about his history, but I think it’s important that we spread the word about it now.”
Funds raised during last night’s event were donated to the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay – a spot Mr Mackie took inspiration from when working.
Following the performances, there was a disco which lasted long into the night.
