Obituary: Selkirk painter Graham Scott has died at 87

A Souter born and bred, Mr Scott died peacefully at his Hillside Terrace home on Sunday, January 10. He was 87.

Graham Scott was born in Selkirk’s Kilncroft on April 12, 1933, to Robert Scott and his wife Jean (whose family name was also Scott). The couple had four other children – Bert, Tom, Margaret and Betty.

Educated at Knowepark Primary and Selkirk High School, Graham left school at the age of 14 to begin an apprenticeship with Towns the painters, whose proprietor at that time was Bill Morrison.

In 1964 Mr Scott left Towns to set up his own painting and decorating business in partnership with Andrew Heatlie. The firm of Heatlie & Scott went on to prove a highly successful enterprise, expanding to employ several painters in its heyday.

Rugby ability

Tall and with a strapping physique, Graham proved to be a skilful rugby player in his younger days. After turning out for the High School and for Selkirk Youth Club, he moved up to Philiphaugh and quickly established himself in the Selkirk 1st XV in the position of second row.

He liked to tell the story of packing down behind Selkirk’s legendary prop forward George Downie, who in 1953 had captained the club to its only Scottish Championship title. “Don’t worry about pushing,” George told Graham at the first scrum, “no-one’s going to move me!”

Graham’s team-mates at that time included Les Walker, Dougie Scott, Bill Young, Tom Kellett and Willie Thyne – all of whom remained lifelong friends. Without fail, Willie Thyne would call Graham every Friday night to discuss rugby and the weekend’s matches.

Mr Scott remained a passionate supporter of Selkirk Rugby Club throughout his life.

Former Selkirk captain Paul Tomlinson joined Heatlie & Scott as a 15-year-old apprentice, and remembers Graham as a friendly and caring employer.

“When I was 17, Graham told me that one of the props had dropped out of Selkirk’s team for the match against Carlisle, and the club wanted me to step in.

"I had never played at that level and didn’t have the proper kit, so Graham kindly went out and bought me a pair of new rugby boots and some shorts – a kindness I’ve never forgotten.”

Graham undertook his National Service with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, but after injuring his leg playing rugby with the KOSB, he served with the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). Among his postings was to the Bergen-Hohne Garrison in Germany, close by the former Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Married in 1962

Graham met his future wife Carolyn Bell, who hails from Galashiels, in 1959 at a dance in the town’s Volunteer Hall (the ‘Gala Palais’). They were married on October 13, 1962, in St Paul’s Church, Galashiels, and set up home in a property at Sunderland Hall.

The couple had two sons, David, who died in 1999, and James, who is a building surveyor.

Mr Scott was a keen horseman and during his single days rode the marches at Selkirk Common Riding on a few occasions and remained a passionate supporter. He was also an avid follower of horse-racing and would often have a flutter at the local bookmakers.

Mr Scott is survived by his wife Carolyn, son James, daughter-in-law Susan and grandchildren Alice & Jack, to whom the deepest condolences are extended.

J.D.R.S.