Sheriff leads the many tributes paid to long-serving court official

ONE OF the most recognisable figures at Perth Sheriff Court has retired, after almost 40 years with the sheriff court service.

Charlie Allardyce, who celebrates his 60th birthday this month, managed his last court room on Friday before receiving farewell gifts from colleagues.

Members of the local legal profes- sion paid tribute to his long and dedicated service, led by Sheriff Michael Fletcher.

Born in the Fair City, he was educated at Craigie and Central District Primaries before completing his secondary schooling at the original Perth High School in Gowans Terrace. He worked with General Accident after completing his education, before con- tinuing his studies at Dundee College of Commerce, where he trained in accounting.

Mr Allardyce joined the sheriff court service as a clerical officer in May 1973, before being promoted to executive officer then depute sheriff clerk at Dundee Sheriff Court. That role was expected to last just six months, but it was 18-and-a-half years before he was finally transferred back to Perth in 1997.

The keen St Johnstone fan and family man – he is married to Cathy with whom he has three sons and three grandchildren – said he was looking forward to retirement but would miss the many colleagues with whom he has served over the years.