Tributes follow death of much-loved former Ross-shire Journal editor David Watt at age of 94)
TRIBUTES are being paid to a much-loved former editor of the Ross-shire Journal who has died at the age of 94.
David Watt will be remembered by many as a gentle giant whose passion, dedication and local knowledge ensured the county title was an indispensable read for the years it was under his stewardship as editor and managing director.
David was surrounded by family when he died peacefully "in the exceptional care" of all at Strathallan House Care Home in Strathpeffer on Christmas Eve.
He was the devoted husband of Mary, of Woodlands Road in Dingwall, the adored father of Arlene and Fiona and much loved father-in-law of Fraser and Scott. He was predeceased by his late brother, Jock.
Long after his retiral as editor in 1991, he continued to contribute reports from shinty and Highland Games and to compile the Reflections column which he had started as a weekly 44 Years Ago dip into the old files. He was a familiar and very welcome presence in the former Docharty Road premises which were opened after a flit from an earlier base on Dingwall's Castle Street.
His dedication to local sport was echoed in a tribute from Caberfeidh Shinty Club who hailed him as "a long-time supporter".
It posted: "David's match reports from Castle Leod for the Ross-shire Journal,which he edited, lifted often mundane games to another level. His description of the surroundings and the people involved were always a joy to read, being in his company and listening to his words of wisdom during a game was a pleasure and he will be missed greatly by all who knew him."
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His place in the Watt dynasty associated with the Ross-shire Journal was recorded in a piece produced by the Ross and Cromarty Heritage website when it marked 125 years of the Ross-shire Journal.
It records how the paper mirrored significant change in the county itself from 1966, expanding over the following decades from a eight pages to 16-plus.
David's time at the helm coincided with significant industrial development in Easter Ross and those changes were reflected in the paper.
A funeral service will be held in St Clement’s Parish Church, Dingwall on Monday, January 8 at 1pm, thereafter to Mitchell Hill Cemetery.
All friends are respectfully invited to attend the service for which family flowers only are requested.
Donations if so desired may be given at the service for Strathallan House Care Home, Strathpeffer staff and residents fund or sent to Alasdair Rhind, Funeral Directors, Sutherland House, Bank Street, Tain. Alternatively donate by BACS to RBS sort code 83-27-35, account number 00254580 with reference 'The late Davie'.
