John Dunlop’s Legacy

Report by Ron Ireland, December 2025.

Katie Nicol donating to the Tree collection

 

The Rotary Christmas Tree in the High Street is proving as popular as ever this year with the public giving generously to the three nominated local charities.

We think it is appropriate at this time to remember John Dunlop, a former fellow Rotarian, who sadly died in 2023. John was very much a key member of the team organising and assembling the very first Ayr Rotary Christmas Tree back in 2021. Being the first time, it was very much a steep learning experience but John’s determination and sheer hard work, helped to ensure that the project had a successful start and thus guaranteed its continuity.
To help put things in context, the below is an email from John in 2021:
All,

Well the Rotary Tree of Remembrance is up and ready for business tomorrow and on line now! (see attached picture) 

I suspect this is the biggest Rotary event in the town for many a long time. President Hazel wanted more profile for Rotary. You’ve got it Hazel!

Congratulations in order to Jim, Paul, Charlie, Douglas and Ronnie for pulling this all together. It seems a lifetime since John Brown presented the idea to the club. To me the Ayr Rotary Tree of Remembrance looks every bit as good as Cork, John!

Acknowledgements are due to South Ayrshire Council, Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited, Ayr Racecourse, The Ayrshire Coastal Path Team, John Gilmour and Co (Metalworkers) Ltd, 27 Florist Alloway, The Auld Kirk, TSUKURE Hub, and all the many others who have helped to get this one over the line.   

So can all members please show their support for the launch of what we hope will be an annual event in Ayr by telling your friends AND coming to the Service of Dedication tomorrow night (Friday) 7:00 at the Old Kirk. I know some of you understandably have social distancing concerns but since David Gemmell’s church holds 1500, I think you can be guaranteed your own space. Please be assured that the church observes the current Covid protocols issued by the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Government. So with mild weather forecast forecast for tomorrow, Christmas in the offing, and frankly the old town is looking great at night just now with all the Christmas lights, it would be great to see a full turnout of Rotarians and their partners, friends and families for the first time since Covid.

And as a bonus who would not want to see Jim Nelson in a pinny dishing out the tea and mincemeat pies in the Church Hall afterwards?
See you all tomorrow.        
   
Regards 
John  Dunlop
print