Forres mourns Highland Games stalwart
Published: 31 December, 2008

Grant Dawson


TRIBUTES were paid last week to Forres man Grant Dawson, a long-serving member of the Forres Highland Games committee who was also involved with various clubs and groups around the town.


Mr Dawson, who was aged 74, died at his home at Forbes Road last Friday evening (December 19) with his wife, Margaret, by his side, following a battle with Motor Neurone disease.

Eldest son Neil said his father had suffered from a particularly virulent strain of the disease which had taken its toll quickly over the last few months, leaving him struggling with his speech and physical capabilities, but despite being the source of extreme frustration, it did not prevent him from doing the things he wanted to.

Prior to retirement, Mr Dawson ran a barber's business in the town for many years, in premises on Forres High Street above the current Indian takeaway.

However, he was better known for his involvement in various sporting organisations. Mr Dawson had been a keen golfer and cyclist, and was a member of Forres Cycling Club for 30 years. His passion for cycling saw him reintroduce the 'Messenger Boys' Bike Race' to the Forres Highland Games about four years ago, an event which has gone from strength to strength.

Earlier this year, he arranged the purchase of several bikes from the family of the late Sammy Fraser from Elgin, who kept dozens of them, and arranged to have them sponsored and painted up with the names of local businesses.

Former games chieftain and current president, Kenny MacDonald, said that Mr Dawson was a keep-fit fanatic and was always out walking or cycling, and did a lot of good over the years for the Forres games. He also competed in cycling events in his younger days.

"He was games treasurer for at least 25 years, and involved for many years before that, joining the committee back in 1961," he said. "He did a lot of other work for the games; he was always available to help."

He said that he was an excellent treasurer, and would be sorely missed. He said he always had the paperwork at the ready, and could answer any questions about the group's finances.

Although Mr Dawson gave up the post of treasurer earlier this year, due to his ill health, he remained involved, and just a few weeks ago he attended a committee meeting at the Carisbrooke Hotel, and even went shopping for spares for the messenger bikes, which will be back in action at the 2009 event.

Highland Games colleague, Mike Scott, said that Mr Dawson would be sorely missed and had been a person you could always rely on.

"If you needed something doing, he would do it," said Mike. "If he couldn't, he would know someone he could get to do it instead."

Mr Dawson was also a keen supporter of Forres Mechanics Football Club, and enjoyed attending matches right up until a few weeks before his death. He had been asked to serve on the committee, but was unable to, due to his commitments with other local sporting groups. He was also a keen member of the caravaning fraternity, and used to go away at weekends, especially to watch golf tournaments around the country.

Mr Dawson is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their three children: sons Neil and Ian and daughter Mhairi, and five grandchildren, as well as by a sister, Moira.

His funeral was held on Christmas Eve in St Laurence Parish Church. Contributions were made to local charities.

http://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news..._stalwart.html