Inverness mourns the loss of whisky shop boss (47)
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Tributes have been paid to a leading Inverness businessman who has died suddenly.
Scott Dunn (47) was the manager of The Whisky Shop in Bridge Street and was found dead on the premises on Tuesday night.
Police said his death was being treated as unexplained, but there are no suspicious circumstances.
A report has been prepared for the procurator fiscal, and it is understood a post mortem is to be carried out.
The popular shop was closed yesterday in the wake of the tragedy, with a sign in the window saying it would remain so “until further notice”.
Graine Riach, manager of three branches of Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Inverness, including one in Bridge Street, said keen cyclist and fitness enthusiast Mr Dunn would be hugely missed by everyone who knew him.
A friend as well as business neighbour, she said: “Scott was an exceptional man, a true gentleman. His parting has shaken us all.
“He was 100 per cent committed to everything he did. He was a dedicated businessman.
“We were all in tears when we heard the news – there is a great sadness this week throughout the city centre.
“When you work in retail you become close and you are there for each other, as Scott was. He was so well thought of by his company, and loved by his staff.
“He was very proud of his company, he worked hard and that could be seen in the accomplishment of his store.
“He was also a very loving family man and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with his family, who he loved so dearly.”
Judith Glue, whose knitwear and gift shop is another near neighbour of The Whisky Shop, said the news had left her and her staff “devastated”.
“Before we even opened the Judith Glue shop in Inverness, around eight years ago, Scott was first there to help us,” she said.
“He was such a kind and gentle man – I am totally shocked and saddened.
“All our thoughts are with his family and the staff at the shop.”
Mike Smith, manager of Inverness Business Improvement District, also offered his condolences, saying: “The Inverness city centre business community are shocked and very sorry to hear of the sad passing of Scott Dunn.
"He worked in The Whisky Shop for over 20 years and was passionate about whisky.”
Ian Bankier, chairman of The Whisky Shop group, said: “Everyone at The Whisky Shop is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Scott.
“He has been a superb ambassador for us for over 20 years.
“Scott was one of the nicest and most talented and hard-working individuals that I have had the pleasure to know and work with over my entire career.
“His will be a devastating loss, and my heart goes out to [wife] Mary and all his family.”
Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister said: “Sincere condolences to the family and friends and colleagues of Scott.
“He was a great businessman – anyone who came to the city centre knew of his superb shop. I was very sorry to hear about his death.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Officers attended an address in the Bridge Street area of Inverness following a concern for person call at around 11.50pm on Tuesday, May 11. The body of a 47-year-old man was found within.
“The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not believed to be suspicious.
“As with all unexplained deaths, a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”
