Tributes from Inverness Shinty Club and from across the Highlands paid to the 'Laird of the Bught Park' Denis Swanson, who has passed away aged 96
TRIBUTES are being paid to a shinty stalwart who has passed away.
Denis Swanson, of Montague Road, has died aged 96.
It is understood that Mr Swanson had been ill for a short time and passed away at home.
Last year, on his 95th birthday – Inverness Shinty Club arranged for 95 birthday cards to be delivered to his home.
And club officials also decided to name a new trophy after Mr Swanson dubbed the Laird of the Bught Park by broadcaster and shinty historian Hugh Dan MacLennan.
Mr Swanson, born in the coach house of the old Bught Hotel, near where the ice rink now stands, first graced those beloved Bught pitches with caman in hand as an Inverness High School pupil before World War II.
In peacetime, he quickly became a first team mainstay and helped Inverness achieve their one and only moment of Camanachd Cup final glory in 1952.
Prominent in the earlier rounds, he was unlucky enough to be injured in the semi final and missed the famous 3-2 victory over Oban Camanachd in Glasgow, but received a winners’ medal.
He finally hung up his playing boots at the age of 45 in 1975, but continued for many years as steward, supporter, committee member and referee.
At the time of his birthday last year, Camanachd Association president Keith Loades said: “Few have given as much to the sport of shinty as Denis.”
On Shinty Memories Scotland, a Facebook page, a tribute read: "One of Inverness’ greatest and best known shinty stalwarts Denis Swanson has died.
"He was 96 and passed away during last night (Wednesday 30th).
"Denis had been ill for a short time and died at home. A remarkable man who was an ever present at the Bught Park and in its environs, he will be sadly missed for his vibrant personality and fund of stories about the history of shinty in the town and beyond.
"Inverness shinty club, confirming Denis’ passing said: “This is yet another sad blow for the shinty community and the town and Denis’ family in particular. Denis is one of those people who simply always seemed to be there and it wil be very difficult to come to terms with the fact that he will no longer be with us.
"He contributed so much to our efforts.”
"The sympathy of the whole shinty community is extended to his wife Maureen and the wider family."
READ: Inverness shinty legend celebrates his 95th birthday with cards from city primary school players
