Jim Grant

Accountant, mini rugby coach and pop group manager

James Gilbert Turner Grant (Jim), accountant and rugby stalwart. Born: 13 April,1940. Died: 30 March, 2020 aged 79

Jim was born in Musselburgh and went on to become an accountant for Robert Mathew Johnston Marshall and Partners, but he could hardly be described as a typical number-cruncher. He worked on the Ben Cruachan Hydro Electric Scheme in the mid1960s and latterly he worked for Edinburgh University.

His great love was rugby and during National Service played for KOSBS when they won the Army Cup in 1959. He then joined Edinburgh Wanderers and along with the legendary John Douglas and Mikedawsonintroducedmini

Rugby to Scotland. Amongst the boys he coached was his son Patrick, who is now the well-known TV presenter of the Great British Sewing Bee. Jim worked tirelessly on behalf of Mini Rugby and was a true stalwart to the cause. Many men today got their first taste of rugby from Jim Grant on the back pitches at Murrayfield on a Sunday morning.

Other activities included the management of Dean Ford and the Gaylords (shades of Tutti Frutti!) who went on to have several hits as The Marmalade.

In later life Jim moved down to the Borders. He participated in various country pursuits, such as shooting, gun dog and field trial dogs training, horse riding and showed organic veg at the Stow Show.

Jim leaves his wife Sue, son Patrick and daughter Victoria. JOCK ANDERSON