Curler John Bryden

A PERTHSHIRE potato merchant who became one of the world's top curlers has passed away aged 85.

John Bryden played a crucial role in the Perth rink that was the first Scottish team to win the World Curling Championship in 1967.

The Carse of Gowrie farmer played third stones in the team, and was considered the best in the world in the position.

A Royal Caledonian Curling Club spokesman said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of John Bryden. He was one of Scotland’s finest curlers.”

Mr Bryden was part of Chuck Hay’s Kilgraston and Moncrieffe Curling Club team that dominated Scottish curling in the 1960s — becoming Scottish champions in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968.

He also represented Scotland in five World Championships — the then Scotch Cup — winning a medal on all but one occasion.

The highlight was winning Scotland’s first ever World Men’s title in 1967 in Perth alongside Hay, Alan Glen and David Howie when they defeated Sweden 8-5 in the final.

Mr Bryden’s long-time friend Chuck Hay said: “John loved his curling, whether it was at the very highest level or for his club, Fingask.

“He was still an active player until a few years ago. He was a great club man.”

He recalled how Bryden was hailed by the Canadian press as the top third in world curling.

He added: “Being rated the best in the world at that position was quite an accolade.

“He was a fine shotmaker and when the tough got going so did John.

“He was also a hell of a nice guy.”

Mr Bryden won a string of Scottish seniors titles with Bill Muirhead as well as the pairs with Alan Glen. He also won a host of local trophies including the Farmers Cup and the Simpson Trophy.

He was born in to a farming family at West Mill, near Inchture, and went to Kinnaird and Perth Academy before achieving a BSc in agriculture at Edinburgh University.

He worked with the Peebles Brothers as a potato merchant before acquiring his own extensive arable farm at West Mains, with responsibility for a further 300 acres of seed potatoes in the Carse of Gowrie.

He was a lifelong member of Blairgowrie Golf Club where he played off a nine handicap in his prime and played in club competitions.

He was also a kirk elder at Kinnaird and was a past member of the Perth Bridge Club.

He is survived by his wife Helen, son Bill, daughter Maureen and his grandchildren. ALEXANDER KELLY of Monifieth, one of Dundee United’s oldest fans, has died a month short of his 99th birthday.

Mr Kelly’s health declined latterly but his son Alex said his father had had a long and full life.

He was thrilled at his 98th birthday party in January when a surprise visitor brought special greetings from Tannadice.

It was his hero Paul Hegarty, centre half and captain of the great United team of the 70s and 80s.

Paul said: “Our fans are a big part of the club and Alexander is one of our most special fans.”

Mr Kelly was born in Perth and moved to Dundee with his family at the age of two. He went to St Patrick’s School in Lilybank Road and trained as a barber.

He worked in Fraser’s in Hilltown and Cameron’s in Lochee before moving to Dundee Corporation where he was a cleaner, then conductor, then a tram and bus driver before working as a labourer in a garage.

Mr Kelly and wife Alexina lived in Hilltown Terrace, bringing up daughters May and Sandra and son Alex.

After Mrs Kelly’s death 24 years ago, he lived on in the house before moving in with daughter Sandra in Dalhousie Street, Monifieth.

As well as his daughters and son, Mr Kelly is survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his family are spread as far as Canada.

Alexander Kelly.