TRIBUTE: Tributes have been paid to Stuart Findlay (81), the former chairman of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council
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TRIBUTES have been paid for a good "wing man" with a big heart for the community.
Stuart Findlay (81), the former chairman of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council who helped to establish Glenmoriston Community Company, passed away earlier this month, at home, after an short illness.
Son Gordon Findlay said: "My dad served as a mechanic and worked in Edinburgh until he and my mum, Alma, decided to move to the Highlands in 1997.
"They loved Highland life.
"He worked on the canal at Laggan and he loved the job to bits, as he was able to help people who were on boats. He took folk out on the water and in some cases, taught them how to use the boats.
"He loved the community and got involved with the community council."
Starting out as the treasurer, he and the community councillors worked very hard over a number of years on projects.
Mr Findlay senior is credited with doing negotiations with the wind farm company to secure the best deal possible for the community.
Gordon continued: "Family was very important to dad.
"Dad and mum had a good social life and he was a member of the bowling club.
"There was a good group of bowling club member who met at the Caledonian Hotel. I think people enjoyed the social aspect as much, if not more, than playing bowls. They shared lots of laughter there."
He joked: "My dad was still talking about the toilets in Fort Augustus a few weeks before his death, he really liked to get things done and see the job through."
Mr Findlay had been in hospital but asked to get home so he could spend his final days surrounded by his family.
Deirdre MacKinnon, chairwoman of the community council said: "Stuart was my wing man. He will be greatly missed by many, many people.
"He was a dedicated man who believed in people. He never sat still.
"He helped to push many local issues and projects such as the local apprentice scheme, better toilet provisions, car park extensions and a lot of negotiating with Windfarm companies, Scottish Water, Transport Scotland and plenty other local issues."
Council leader Margaret Davidson, Aird and Loch Ness ward, said: "Stuart was a real community man. He dedicated many hours to taking forward both projects and solving problems for Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston.
"He chaired the community council for some years and continued as a member thereafter. He also served on the board of the community company and was part of the remarkable work they have done to deliver for their communities.
"We worked together on wind farm and hydro applications and on road safety.
"I think we were the first community to insist that the delivery of wind turbine blades came through in the evening and we worked supporting the community to purchase land for housing and recreation.
"I will miss him every time I visit the village. His family will be very proud of his achievements. And I still feel I have some projects to finish for him."
Mr Findlay is survived by his wife Alma, children Gordon, Jennifer and Michael and five grandchildren.
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