Death Notices

FOOTE (formerly Partington) - Barbara passed away peacefully, at Wishaw Hospital, on Monday, 20th March, 2023, aged 91 years. Beloved wife of Anthony. A cremation service was held on Tuesday, 18th April, 2023 at Perth Crematorium. Her ashes will be scattered on the grave of her first husband, Rees Partington, beloved father of Gregor, Philip and Catriona. The Partington family lived in Brora from 1954 to 1970 where Rees was the Customs & Excise Officer at the Brora Distillery. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

MACKAY - It is with huge sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of Patricia Mackay (née Murray), Helmsdale, peacefully at home with her family, on Tuesday, 11th April, 2023, aged 68 years. Dear wife of Robbie, adored mam to Ruth and Leah and the very best granny to Freddie and Alfie. We would like to thank all the amazing nurses who supported us during this difficult time. We love you forever Mam. Private family cremation. Any donations to be given to www.MarieCurie.org.uk

SKINNER (Ardgay) - Peacefully, in Innis Mhor Care Home, Tain, on Thursday, 6th April, 2023, Christine Allen Hamilton, formerly of Kincardine House, Ardgay, beloved wife of the late Finlay, a much loved mother of Colin and the late Stuart, a dearly loved granny, great-granny, mother-in-law and loved by all the extended family and friends. Funeral service will be held in Ardgay Parish Church, on Tuesday, 18th April at 11.00a.m., thereafter to Kincardine Cemetery. All friends respectfully invited. Family flowers only please but donations, if so desired, may be given at the service for Alzheimer Scotland or send to Alasdair Rhind, Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain or donate by bacs to: RBS – s/c 83-27-35, a/c 00254580. Ref. the late Christine.

MACKAY (Brora) - Passed away peacefully, on Sunday, 2nd April, 2023, at his home, 18 Johnstone Place, Brora, Duncan, aged 80 years, much loved husband to Irene, loving dad to Nicola and Mark and grandad to Daniel. Funeral service will take place at Clyne Church of Scotland, Brora, on Wednesday, 12th April, 2023 at 11.45am and thereafter to Brora Cemetery. Family flowers only but donations in lieu, if desired, may be given at the door for RNLI.

STUART - Donald Lowe Stuart of Caberfeidh, Strathy Point, passed peacefully, in his 88th year, on 29th March, 2023. Formerly of Bonar Bridge and Latheronwheel, Donald will be sorely missed by his beloved Jessie and daughters Sylvia and Vanessa. Dearly loved brother of Robbie, cherished grandfather to Ian and Lisa, and great-granddaughter, Minnie. A good neighbour and friend to many. At rest.

WILSON - Peacefully, in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on 16th March, 2023, Joseph Wilson (Joey), aged 81 years, Telford Gardens, Inverness. Beloved husband of June (nee Murray), much loved dad of Nicola and Joseph, adoring granda of Dylan and Joseph, also a dear uncle and friend to many. Funeral service and committal today (Friday), 31st March, 2023, at 10.30am, in D. Chisholm & Sons Funeral Home, Huntly Street, Inverness to which all are welcome to attend; thereafter cremation private. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, in memory of Joey towards Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland may be given at the door. Livestream available on www.chisholmfunerals.co.uk

SUTHERLAND (Golspie) - Margaret Sutherland passed away peacefully at her home in Golspie (formerly from Brora and Helmsdale), on 20th March, 2023, aged 82 years. Mam of Ruth Grant (née Ross). Funeral service to be held at Golspie Free Church on Tuesday, 28th March, 2023, commencing at 11.00 a.m., thereafter to Helmsdale Cemetery. All family and friends respectfully invited. Flowers welcome but a donation, if desired, can be made at the service for The British Heart Foundation. All enquiries to Mairi Urquhart & Son tel: 01349 880901.

MACKAY - John, formerly of 2 Ord Place, Lairg, in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Tuesday, 7th March, 2023, at the age of 78 years. Husband of the late Linda, eldest brother of Leslie, Brian, Isabel and David, and a well-respected plumber for many years, in Lairg and surrounding areas. John was interred with Linda in Lairg Cemetery on Tuesday, 14th March. Thanks to undertaker Alasdair Rhind and his team and to celebrant Lorna Clark, for their kind and efficient services. Thanks also to relatives, friends and neighbours for their kindness and support and to carers in Lairg, Bonar Bridge and Ardgay.

HORNE (Brora) - Passed away, suddenly but peacefully at home, on Thursday, 16th March, 2023, Ann, aged 71 years, beloved wife of Bobby, loving mum to Terry and Sharon, granny to Leo and Robin, dear mother-in-law, sister, auntie and friend to many. Funeral service will take place at Clyne Church of Scotland, Brora on Saturday, 25th March, 2023 at 11.00 am, thereafter to Brora Cemetery. Family flowers only but donations, if desired, can be given in lieu at the church door for Dementia (local).

AITCHISON - An informal interment of ashes for the late Barbara Aitchison (née Melville), formerly of Golspie and Brora, will be held at Golspie Cemetery on Friday, 24th March, 2023 at 1.00 pm. All friends and extended family welcome.

MACKAY (Rogart) - Peacefully, at the Cambusavie Unit, Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie, on Wednesday, 1st March, 2023, Sarah Ann Mackay (Sally, née Manson). Beloved wife of Robert, much loved mam of Bridget and Marcus and a dear sister to Dina. Funeral service will be held in St. Callan's Church of Scotland, Rogart, on Saturday, 18th March at 10.30 a.m. All friends respectfully invited. Thereafter a private interment. Family flowers only please but donations, if so desired, may be given at the service for Alzheimer Scotland and The Cambusavie Unit or send to Alasdair Rhind, Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain.

ROSS - After a short illness, with his family around him, on Sunday, 12th March, 2023, at the Cambusavie Unit, Golspie, Henry James Ross (Harry), ex-Cameron Highlander, aged 90 years, Brochrobbie, Brora. Beloved husband of the late Wilma, much loved and loving dad of Aileen and Sandra, proud and caring granda and great-granda, father-in-law to Jimmy and Archie. Private family cremation.

KING - Sadly, Mary, née MacKay, formerly of Bonar Bridge, passed away in St John's Hospital, Livingston, on Friday, 24th February, 2023. Wife to Derek, sister of Jean, Rena and William, and the late John, Freeman and Robin, and lifelong friend to Christine Fraser. The funeral took place at Creich Cemetery on 9th March. Mary will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

MACPHERSON (Lairg) - Peacefully, in The Meadows Nursing Home, Dornoch, on Sunday, 5th March, 2023, Vera Munro, formerly of 24 Ord Place, Lairg, beloved wife of of the late Robbie, a much loved mother of John and Shirley, a dearly loved nanny, granny and loved by all the extended family and friends. Funeral service will be held in Lairg Parish Church on Friday, 10th March at 12 noon, thereafter to Lairg Cemetery. All friends respectfully invited. No flowers please but donations, if so desired, may be given at the service for The Meadows Nursing Home Residents' Fund and local Lairg charities or send to Alasdair Rhind, Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain or by bacs to r.b.s. S/c/ 83-27-35, a/c no 00254580 ref T/L Vera.

BALFOUR - Elizabeth Jean CBE DSc FRSE FRSA FICFor, FIBiol JP - On 27th February, 2023, peacefully at home, much loved widow of late John, mother to Robert, David and Alan, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, mother-in-law to Jessica, Jenny and Claire. Private family burial. Service of thanksgiving and celebration of her life will be held in Markinch Parish Church KY7 6DS on Tuesday, 11th April at 3.00pm, to which all family and friends are invited and afterwards at Balbirnie House Hotel.

MACLEOD - Peacefully at home, on 25th February, 2023, aged 87 years, Catherine MacLeod O.B.E., beloved wife of the late Donald Macleod of Ferry Road, Golspie. Much loved sister to the late Murdo, sister-in-law to Jennifer, aunt to Lindsay, Morven and Campbell, and great-aunt to Louis, Skye and Florrie. Former head teacher at the Isobel Mair School in Glasgow and a special needs education pioneer, she leaves an outstanding legacy. We are heartbroken. Private funeral service. Family flowers only please. Any donations in lieu to charities for special educational needs.

KIDNEY (Ardgay/Tain) - Peacefully in his home, 4 Oakwood Place, Ardgay, on Tuesday, 28th February, 2023, John 'JK' Kidney, beloved partner of Kim, a dear father and loved by all the extended family and friends. Funeral service will be held in Inverness Crematorium on Tuesday, 7th March at 2.00 p.m., to which all friends are respectfully invited. Family flowers only please. All enquiries to Alasdair Rhind Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain. Tel: 01862 892521.

INNES - Peacefully, at Castlehill Care Home, Inverness, on Monday, 27th February, 2023, Andrew Innes, aged 83 years. Retired Warrant Officer, Royal Air Force, Kinloss and Lossiemouth. Previously of 'Bunillidh Cottage', 4 Orchard Road, Forres. Beloved husband of the late Judith Anne Innes, and Dad of Julian, Antony and Adrian, also a dear father-in-law of Karen, Frances and Ann, Grandie and Great-Grandie. Funeral service on Friday, 10th March, 2023, at 2.45pm in the Funeral Home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness. A warm welcome to all.

IRWIN (Dornoch) Peacefully, in The Cambusavie Unit, Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie, on Sunday, 26th February, 2023, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Cameron, beloved wife of Ian, a dearly loved sister of Margaret, Alison, Anne and Donald and loved by all the extended family and friends. Funeral service will be held in private at her own request. Family flowers only please but donations, if so desired, for the S.S.P.C.A. may be sent to Alasdair Rhind, Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain or donate by bacs to: RBS – s/c 83-27-35, a/c 00254580. Ref. the late 'Lizzie'.

WILSON (Bonar Bridge) - Peacefully in her home, Burnside, Lairg Road, Bonar Bridge, on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023, Anne (Nancy) Mackay, beloved wife of Alan, dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Allan and Katie, much loved granny of Catriona and Iain, dear sister of Christine and loved by all the extended family and friends. Funeral service will be held in Creich Parish Church, Bonar Bridge on Tuesday, 28th February at 11.00a.m., thereafter to Creich Cemetery. All friends respectfully invited. Family flowers only please but donations, if so desired, may be given at the service for Migdale Hospital, Bonar Bridge or send to Alasdair Rhind, Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain or donate by bacs to: RBS – s/c 83-27-35, a/c 00254580. Ref. the late 'Nancy'.