Wickerman Fest Director Gilroy Dies

A day earlier, the 66-year-old was rushed to Dumfries Infirmary after being found at his East Kirkcarswell Farm, where the two-day festival happens July.

“It is with immense sadness that we confirm Jamie’s death. This has come as a huge shock to us, to his many friends and to members of the local and wider festival community in which he played such a vibrant part,” said a statement issued by Gilroy’s family. “We’d like to thank everyone for their support at this very difficult time.”

Former Wickerman festival director Sid Ambrose described Gilroy as “the energetic driving force behind the Wickerman.

“Jamie was like an action hero, like a James Bond character. Larger than life is a cliche but that fits Jamie,” he told the Scottish Daily Record.

The first Wickerman was at Gilroy’s farm near Dundrennan in 2002, and various lineups have included Del Amitri, Dizzee Rascal, Buzzcocks, Scissor Sisters, The Proclaimers, and Fun Lovin’ Criminals.

Police spent much of Dec. 18 at Gilroy’s farm and a spokesman said a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal, although there were no suspicious circumstances.