Tributes paid after death of well-known ex publican

THE family of a well-known publican, boxer and pigeon fancier have paid tribute to the much-loved grandfather following his death.

Bill Hamilton, a former owner of the The Cairnie pub in Arbroath, died of pneumonia earlier this month at the age of 87.

He was known in the Angus town for his ability as a boxer and pigeon trainer, as well as his work with local gun clubs.

Bill’s son Gavin described his father as a “larger than life figure”.

He said: “Everyone knew who he was. He was a bit of a character back in the day – a boxer when he was younger, then he was into pigeons.

“His dad, my grandad, was captain of Arbroath FC in the 1920s, and he was good friends with Johnny Dora, a player who was well into the pigeons.

“That meant that my dad got into pigeons from a young age and got used to them. Everyone knew him for his birds.”

Bill later went on to become president of Tayside’s racing federation, winning several races across the channel.

He was also a big name in local shooting clubs, and Gavin said he even had a chance to showcase his skills at the Olympics.

He added: “When he turned his hand to the shooting they were all amazed by his age and his eyes.

“He was so good for his age, his shooting was great.

“He was up there with the best, he even considered going to the Olympics but he wanted to give a younger guy a chance.

“He was always a hard but fair person, a spade was a spade with him.

“I think he carried a lot of respect because of that.”

Bill was dedicated to his hobbies and interests.

Gavin said: “When he got into something he got right into it.

“Whether it was boxing, pigeons, shooting – he always wanted to win and be the best he could.

“When he turned his hand to the shooting he wanted to be the best at that, he was just that kind of guy.”

Bill, who died on February 13, is survived by his five children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The Cairnie pub in Arbroath, which Bill formerly owned.