Tributes to popular community figure and former publican
Warm tributes have been paid to well-known former Blairgowrie publican and hotelier Alistair Gibb, who passed away recently at the age of 72.
On moving to Blairgowrie from Glasgow in 1985, Alistair took over the Crown Bar, where he quickly established himself as a friendly and very popular host.
As he became immersed in community life, he built the business before switching to the Rosemount Golf Hotel in 2000 which he ran until he sold it six years later.
Born in Limekilns, Fife, Alistair’s family moved to Glasgow in 1960 and he was educated at Shawlands Academy.
After an early career with the Glasgow Savings Bank and the Abbey National Building Society, Alistair bought a newsagent’s shop, during which time he became the President of the West of Scotland Newsagents’ Federation.
As a schoolboy Alistair was an enthusiastic Third Lanark FC supporter.
When the Cathkin Park club folded in 1967, he switched his allegiance to Dundee FC – the club supported by his father, Colin.
The Dens Park club became a lifelong passion and Alistair was known and liked by many fellow fans, players and directors.
He became a matchday hospitality host and chaired several testimonial committees for players including Jim Duffy, Barry Smith and Javier Artero.
Former Dundee chair Peter Marr said: “Alistair was a great guy and a Dundee diehard.”
Former Dens Park goalkeeper Ally Donaldson added: “Alistair was a lovely person. I had known him since the 1960s when he would meet the team bus in Glasgow. He will be sorely missed.”
A popular member of Blairgowrie Rotary Club between 1995 and 2002, Alistair was elected chair of the Mod Committee that brought Scotland’s Gaelic community to Blairgowrie in 1996.
Mod Committee colleague Bob Ellis said: “The event was an overwhelming success and Blairgowrie was the first host community to have all funding in place before it started.
“While it was a team effort, Alistair was the driving force and he deserved all the praise that came his way.”
Alistair was passionate about attracting visitors to the area and he sat on the Perthshire Tourist Board, during which time strong links were established with the Norwegian town of Bryne, near Stavanger.
This connection was established when a brass band from the town – the Go Go Boys – stopped their bus by chance one summer evening at the Crown Bar.
Over subsequent years the band became regular and popular visitors to Blair and a Burns Supper in the Norwegian town instigated by Alistair is now an annual fixture supported by Perthshire musicians and Burns enthusiasts.
Perhaps Alistair’s greatest achievement was establishing the Scottish Mixed Foursomes Golf Week, played over courses at Rosemount, Strathmore, Alyth and Kirriemuir.
David Norman, of Strathmore Golf Centre, said: “Local businesses and tourism were part of Alistair’s make-up and he had the prosperity of the business community at the heart of everything he tried to achieve.
“He came up with the idea of a golf week in 2003, a committee was formed and he became chairman.
“When the inaugural event was held a year later 57 couples participated.
“This year’s event held earlier this month attracted 240 couples – 480 people playing golf, filling beds, eating at restaurants, buying local produce and visiting east Perthshire and Angus establishments.
“It is estimated the golf week generates at least £500,000 of business to the local community every year.
“The event will always be synonymous with Alistair’s name and he will forever be remembered for starting it.”
A lifelong supporter of good causes, Alistair was active until his death in raising funds for the Alyth-based Peza Trust (Scotland).
The good cause supports disenfranchised young people in eastern Zimbabwe.
Among the many supported is Zander, who now runs his own successful business after having his college education personally financed by Alistair.
Frances Fleming, a fellow trustee of Peza Trust (Scotland), said: “Zander looked upon Alistair as a father figure.
“His fundraisers included a head shave, sponsored diet and the raffling of two prestigious signed football strips – one from Erling Haaland and the other from Christian Eriksen.
“He was a committed trustee of Peza Trust (Scotland) and enthusiastic to help in any way he could.
“He will be missed.” Paying tribute to one of its founding trustees, a Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Club spokesperson described Alistair as “a great football man and always willing to help anybody in any way he could. He will be sorely missed.”
Alistair, who had suffered ill health for a number of years, died at home in Blairgowrie on June 30.
He is survived by his brother Kenneth, niece Lorna and nephew Roddie.
A funeral service honouring Alistair’s life was held at Perth Crematorium on Monday, July 11.