OBITUARY: Ian Grant (Proncy) of Pitgrudy, Dornoch
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It is with a sad heart that I write this tribute to a dear friend, character, and an integral part of the Dornoch community for many years.
Ian Grant farmed at Pitgrudy, taking over from his father Mac Grant (another character and a half) and his mother Elma (an absolute gem of a person) experimenting with different lines of farming, from pigs to sheep, you name it, Ian varied in his farming activities.
He was a long time member of the Dornoch Pipe band, and in recent years a big drummer for Tain Pipe Band. One never lost step in the band with Ian at the helm, an absolutely dedicated big drummer with precise timing.
On board the plane on our visit to Zetel (twinned with Sutherland) Ian, myself and my wife were in three seats next to the wing. “Oh”, said Ian, “there’s a crack in that wing”. My wife had never flown before and was needless to say, more than apprehensive. Ian then reassured her, saying: “Never mind, there’s one on the other side, we will be alright if this one drops off!” A true devil he was, the very best of craic.
Trentham Hotel on any Saturday night used to be something else with Ian being there along with the late Angie MacAskill, Donnie Dan and all the troops, you can imagine the banter with all these personalities there.
Ian sadly died on March 24 in Raigmore Hospital after a period of dedicated care from the staff at Migdale Hospital, Bonar Bridge.
Ian’s funeral service in Dornoch Cathedral on April 8 was conducted by Rev Carol Ann Porter and was well attended by people from all walks of life. His younger brother Alan paid tribute to Ian in his inimitable style with a fair bit of humour (typical Alan). On returning to his pew, Alan received applause from the congregation.
Piper Duncan McGillvray played as the congregation left the church, and also played in front of the hearse all the way to the memorial, quite a feat. He also played on the way into Proncynain cemetery and after the internment, not a note out of place, well done Duncan.
It is so sad for the community of the Dornoch area to have lost yet another stalwart, obliging in every way, a comic and a true friend to many.
Sadly missed by the family and all your pals.
RIP Pronce (as I always called him, along with all his friends).
Willie Bee (Willie Sutherland).
