Gillies’ boss James had the gift of the gab

TRIBUTES have been paid to businessman James Gillies Lornie, who has died aged 84 after a long illness.

Mr Lornie had been managing director of the family firm of Gillies of Broughty Ferry and was involved in much of its expansion.

He lived his entire life in Broughty Ferry and was known for his “gift of the gab”.

Mr Lornie joined the family business with his uncle James Gillies and his mother Maisie Gillies Lornie in 1956, after a spell training to be a mechanic in Monifieth.

His son, Andrew, said: “He was quickly involved in all aspects of the firm, which included funeral undertaking and auctioneering, as well as the growth in furniture, carpets, curtains and gifts business.

“His career was interrupted by national service in The Black Watch. For most of his life he was a proud wearer of the kilt.”

Mr Lornie became a director of Gillies in January 1962 following the death of his mother and was later appointed managing director in succession to his uncle.

Andrew said: “He accumulated a large number of friends and built up a wide knowledge of the history, development and businesses of Broughty Ferry.

Mr Lornie, who retired in 2000, was a founding member of the Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association and spent a year as president.

For several years he was a volunteer in the Royal Observer Corps nuclear bunker at Craigiebarns.

He was also a past president of Monifieth Probus Club. Other hobbies included golf, bowls and gardening.

Andrew said: “He developed a knowledge of malt whiskies, with Springbank his favourite dram.”

Mr Lornie married Helen Brown in 1963. They had one son, Andrew, daughters Jolene and Judith and grandchildren Gregor, Lucy, James and Katherine.

Andrew added: “Dad loved spending time with his family.

“He also enjoyed following the continued success and expansion of Gillies of Broughty Ferry, to which he devoted so much of his life.”

A Gillies spokesman said: “We still have customers recollecting the sales patter of James as he was absolutely blessed with the ‘gift of the gab’.”

James Lornie received a set of golf clubs when he retired in 2000 after 45 years in the family business, latterly as managing director. Inset: The shop in the early days.