Headstone for Gala’s Coltart
FAMOUS Galashiels sweet maker Robert Coltart finally has a headstone to mark his grave – 144 years after his death.
A successful campaign raised funds to install the memorial stone for the former weaver- turned- confectioner, who is known as the author of what is perhaps the world’s first advertising jingle Coulter’s Candy, also known as Ally Bally Bee.
Coltart’s grave at Eastlands Cemetery, Galashiels, was unmarked since his interment in 1880.
But a group made up of MSP Christine Grahame, Galashiels councillor Fay Sinclair, local historian Graeme McIver and funeral director Awdri Doyle launched a project at the start of this year to put that right.
Ms Sinclair, of the SNP, explained: “On the 144th anniversary of Coltart’s death, it’s a very fitting time to announce that a headstone is now in place to mark his grave at Eastlands Cemetery.
“Coulter’s Candy is sung around the world and we wanted to make sure people know it was here in Gala that Coltart made his sweets and wrote the
song.
“I want to say a massive thank you to all those who donated to the Crowdfunder, including Energise Galashiels for their contribution, and particular thanks to Awdri Doyle for match-funding local donations and commissioning the stone itself.”
A bronze statue of Coltart was unveiled at a ceremony in Market Square more than four years ago.
Sculptures of a little boy and girl soon followed.
As well as a verse of his famous song Ally Bally Bee, the recently unveiled headstone also features original concept sketches of the Market Square statues by Innerleithen-based sculptor Angela Hunter.
More than £1,500 was raised through donations, with Galashiels funeral directors A & A Doyle stepping in with the final piece of funding needed to deliver the impressive memorial stone.
A memorial ceremony will be held in due course.