Edinburgh Beatles marathon to raise thousands for MND charity in honour of late dad
The Beatles Marathon UK is coming back to Portobello, with 10 bands playing all 13 studio albums in chronological order.
A music-loving dad who inspired his son to bring a Beatles marathon to Scotland is being remembered through an annual charity event which has been successful in raising more than £21,000 for motor neurone disease (MND).
Stuart McGachan, who has lived in the United States for the past decade, came up with the idea after his dad Pat was diagnosed with MND in 2021.
While living in Columbus, Ohio, Stuart discovered a Beatles marathon taking place in the city and was inspired to bring a similar event back home to Scotland.
But what began as a way of doing something special for his dad became a tribute to his life after Pat sadly died just nine days before the first marathon took place in 2023.
Speaking to the Evening News, Stuart said: “It kind of felt like a celebration of life in a way. He loved the Beatles.
“He loved a good time and getting people together for music. It just ticked all the boxes.”
The event, which is returning to Portobello Town Hall on Saturday, November 14, will see 10 Scottish bands perform all 13 of The Beatles’ studio albums in chronological order.
Running from 12 noon to around 11pm, the marathon will take audiences on a musical journey through the band’s back catalogue, with people able to come and go throughout the day.
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Stuart explained that rather than having one band perform the entire collection, he wanted to create a community event where different musicians could come together and play their part.
And it is a cause particularly close to Stuart and his family’s hearts, with all proceeds going towards the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which supports people affected by MND and funds research into the disease.
The event has already raised more than £21,000 across each of its previous occasions, with organisers hoping to exceed £10,000 this year.
For Stuart, the inspiration behind the marathon goes back to their childhood in a musical household.
He described his dad as someone who loved hosting, bringing people together and encouraging everyone to sing, with Beatles’ music often playing in the background.
His dad even had the band's albums displayed around his office, explaining the stories behind each record and how their music evolved.
Stuart said: “Music was always playing and he always wanted to get the guitar out.
“He loved being the host and getting people that can sing to sing.”
The marathon has since become a family effort, with Stuart's siblings Scott and Clare joining him as co-founders of The Beatles Marathon UK, alongside wider family and friends who help organise the event.
He said the event has given relatives a reason to come together and work towards something meaningful, while building a wider community of musicians and volunteers.
Another special tribute will see the family release a recording of Pat performing the Beatles’ ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’.
Pat's vocals were isolated from a demo he recorded in 2016, with family members adding their own instruments to complete the track.
Stuart's brother Scott will be performing Pat's version on the night with his band Unrising Sun.
This year, families are particularly encouraged to attend, with children's activities including face painting, art stations and games running between noon and 5pm.
Stuart hopes the event will continue to grow, with a fundraising raffle also offering the chance to win a trip to Liverpool to explore Beatles attractions.
Reflecting on what his dad might think of the event today, Stuart believes he would be proud of what the family have created.
He said: “Part of him would be saying ‘you’re working too hard,’ because it takes about 10 months to organise.
“But at the same time, I think he’d be like, ‘just keep doing what you’re doing’.”
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