The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Kirkcaldy motorcycle racer and enthusiast Bill Peatman, aged 85
Kirkcaldy and District Motor Club stalwart William A Peatman, a successful and popular motorcycle racer in the early 1950s, has died aged 85 at his home in the Fife town.
He was the younger son of the late Alfred and Margaret Peatman, and beloved brother of Helen and the late Alf Jr.
Known to his many friends and acquaintances as Bill, he was born in 1935 and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Kirkcaldy’s Thornton Road on September 18.
Raised in a motorcycle racing family – his father was a very successful sand racing champion – Bill and his older brother Alf were soon encouraged on to two wheels.
The A E Peatman & Sons Motorcycle and Light Car Garage was a popular gathering place for many local racers and enthusiasts.
Bill and Alf inspired many young men to take up the sport, giving freely of their time and skills to help them on their way.
Bill favoured the smaller classes which suited his stature and raced at all of the popular Scottish circuits of the 1950s and ’60s – including Errol, Gask and Crimond.
His favourite circuit was on his doorstep, at Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy.
Both Bill and Alf were very successful there, winning many races in the 125cc and 200cc classes.
Bill also raced a 350cc Gold Star machine for a period before switching to a 350cc Manx Norton – notably in the Newcomers Race in 1957 – but his preference was for the Bantams, Tiger Cubs and MVs.
He served his apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic at County Motors in Kirkcaldy, before being called into national service in the RAF at Ludford Magna, where he shared his training with a few fellow motorcycle racers, visiting English circuits during his off duty time.
A gifted engineer and a kind and gentle man, Bill always welcomed his friends along for a chat, especially after Alf’s death in 2014.
His funeral will be held at Kirkcaldy Crematorium at 12.45pm on Friday.