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Harry Gow tree tribute for dream ring fan Stuart Fraser


By Federica Stefani

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A TREE has been planted at an Inverness bakery in memory of one of its biggest fans.

The family of Stuart Fraser planted an autumn spire rowan tree at the Harry Gow's branch in Smithton as part of a wider tree-planting initiative they are undertaking in his honour.

Mr Fraser, who died of cancer at the age of 58 in 2017, was a great fan of the baker's dream rings according to his family.

On Tuesday last week the family – wife Lynda and children Samantha and Conrad – also planted an apple tree at Auldearn Primary School.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative Samantha Fraser said: "The idea for planting trees first came when we heard the Maggie's Centre in Inverness was making improvements to their garden space.

"Dad had spent time at Maggie's during his treatment so we donated seven trees for the garden, which we planted in April 2018.

"Once we had planted these trees we then had the idea to plant more – 58 in total, representing each year of dad's life and planted in places which were memorable to us and which could grow and thrive as a reminder that life can still bloom.

"The organisations we have worked with so far have been very supportive and grateful to receive a donation of newly planted trees as they are also helping to make areas more green and leafy.

"We chose Harry Gow's because dad was partial to a dream ring and it was always a treat when we were younger if he brought a box home with him from work.

"All of the Gow family helped with the planting and with Sandy MacDonell playing the pipes too it was an emotional moment.

"We also planted an apple tree at Auldearn Primary School as this was the school dad went to as child, as well as where my brother and I went.

"We have lots of childhood memories with dad in the village.

"The P1 class joined us outside and each took it in turn to put compost around the tree. They also had a little dance as Sandy the piper played – it was very heart-warming.

"We look forward to visiting each tree to see them bloom in years to come."

The latest plantings take the total number of trees planted in Mr Fraser's memory to 18.


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