A man of many talents who will be sadly missed
Tributes have been paid to former teacher Peter Paterson who has died following a long battle with illness.
Mr Paterson, who was 67, was a teacher at St Modan’s High School until 2009.
He was principal teacher of English at the school for most of his 38 years, in that time inspiring many pupils to future careers including many who went on to teaching.
He was also passionate about supporting the school’s debating team and cross country team, of which he was coach. For many years he ran up to 100 miles a week - often with his dog Rex by his side - and as a keen marathon runner he once managed a time of 2hrs 39mins 26secs in the Lochaber Marathon.
With a thirst for knowledge and a keen attention to detail, his enthusiasm to teach and educate extended way beyond the school.
Another of his passions was Cambusbarron, both the everyday lives and wellbeing of its villagers and the preserving and uncovering of its history and heritage.
He was a founder member of the local community council, which he went on to chair from 2009 until December 2015.
He published three books about the village: ‘Bygone Days in Cambusbarron’ (1981), ‘Elephant in the Sky’ (1998) and ‘A Cambusbarron Tapestry’ (2011).
As community council chairman he played a leading part in a number of campaigns, including the successful bid to prevent further quarrying at Gillies Hill.
He also fought to have the memorial erected at Bruce’s Well, where Robert the Bruce is said to have prayed before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Peter also organised a number of local events, including the village gala day’s cross country event.
Last year Mr Paterson was presented with a high commendation in the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards, which honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.
A special event to celebrate his award was held in Cambusbarron Community Centre in front of 100 family, friends and dignitaries.
He had been nominated for the civic honour by the community council for what the citation described as his “boundless curiosity” about his home village.
He was known to lead residents and visitors on local history walks and was instrumental in the erection of signage boards and plaques marking significant places in the village’s history.
Mr Paterson died at Strathcarron Hospice after a long battle against illness. He will be sadly missed by his wife Janice and sons Ian and Steven, former MP for Stirling.
His funeral will take place at 10.30am on Friday, August 18, at Bruce Memorial Church, Cambusbarron, and thereafter to Falkirk Crematorium.