Memories of Andrew Nairn
by Joan Blue and Jim Balneaves
B&F December 2010
Joan Blue
At one AGM in The Salutation, Andrew Nairn was complaining loudly about the Secretary of the Association not doing the job properly. So Jimmy more or less told him to put his money where his mouth was and proposed him as Secretary. I remember Andrew laughing and saying, “I’ve seen this done before and didn’t think I’d fall for it” (or words to that effect) but, after a little pressure, he DID take the job and was at Jimmy’s side until Jimmy retired at which point Andrew said he would go at the same time.
He was a real stalwart – so loyal to Jimmy and such a help to him when folk were getting nasty and nitpicking. He was a true friend. I can’t remember the name of Andrew’s farm where the first Committee meetings were held but they got on with the NAAFC business – Jimmy and I think Norrie Williams tried out various tractors and farm machinery – they enjoyed Margaret’s baking and had a really good time. When Andrew moved to Culross Abbey, the meetings were held in Forgandenny. One memorable one was when they said they wanted to honour Jimmy with a portrait and he said he didn’t want it unless I was in it. It was so funny – he had to go out of his own house while the rest of the Committee debated this – however, much to his delight, they decided that I could be included (being the woman behind the man!!!)
Jim Balneaves
I went on holiday on 15th November returning on the 19th to find that my friend Andrew Nairn had died and I had missed the funeral, which caused me great distress.
Andrew was the Secretary of the Association when I joined as the Treasurer, at which time he wrote to me on notepaper headed “Scotch Greys”, with which he was heavily involved. I never thought of Andrew as a military man, but he explained that it is a breed of poultry.
Jimmy Blue told me that Andrew had been quite vocal at an early AGM and he (Jimmy) asked later, “Who is that man, I will have to get him on the Committee”, which started a long relationship between the two. Andrew also helped out at Musselburgh Festival for many years. Andrew had to leave his farm when new roads around Dumfermline had to be and he moved to a flat at Abbey House, Culross, where he made horse jumps and stands, which he painted with great care in line with the demands of the equestrian fraternity. He also maintained the border around the garden at Abbey House, the home of The Hon. Charles Bruce, son of the Earl of Elgin whom Andrew referred to as ‘The Lairdie’. The border was of considerable length with a width of six feet without a weed. Andrew knew the name of every flower, plant and bush. Andrew was also a keen gardener in his own area, entering many district shows and usually winning a cup for some exhibit.
Andrew covered many miles with his concert party, appearing at numerous village halls, WRIs, nursing homes etc. He had an interest in and attended many Strathspey and Reel functions and acted as Compere for many presentations.
He also had quite a knowledge of malt whisky, being able to differentiate between various brands. He was even known to partake of some of them occasionally!
Andrew, with his wife Margaret and son Jimmy, moved to Merryhill Cottage, Charlestown some years ago and Andrew produced a beautiful garden.
My late wife Helen and I had many splendid meals at Abbey House and Merryhill cottage where Andrew, Margaret, Helen and I spent the evenings putting the world to rights. Andrew was a man of many interests and hobbies who gave very freely of his time to the various activities he was involved in.
He was a quiet unassuming man who did a great deal to bring pleasure to many.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Andrew’s wife Margaret, sons John and Jimmy and daughter Elspeth.
The world will be a sadder place with Andrew’s passing.
At one AGM in The Salutation, Andrew Nairn was complaining loudly about the Secretary of the Association not doing the job properly. So Jimmy more or less told him to put his money where his mouth was and proposed him as Secretary. I remember Andrew laughing and saying, “I’ve seen this done before and didn’t think I’d fall for it” (or words to that effect) but, after a little pressure, he DID take the job and was at Jimmy’s side until Jimmy retired at which point Andrew said he would go at the same time.
He was a real stalwart – so loyal to Jimmy and such a help to him when folk were getting nasty and nitpicking. He was a true friend. I can’t remember the name of Andrew’s farm where the first Committee meetings were held but they got on with the NAAFC business – Jimmy and I think Norrie Williams tried out various tractors and farm machinery – they enjoyed Margaret’s baking and had a really good time. When Andrew moved to Culross Abbey, the meetings were held in Forgandenny. One memorable one was when they said they wanted to honour Jimmy with a portrait and he said he didn’t want it unless I was in it. It was so funny – he had to go out of his own house while the rest of the Committee debated this – however, much to his delight, they decided that I could be included (being the woman behind the man!!!)
Jim Balneaves
I went on holiday on 15th November returning on the 19th to find that my friend Andrew Nairn had died and I had missed the funeral, which caused me great distress.
Andrew was the Secretary of the Association when I joined as the Treasurer, at which time he wrote to me on notepaper headed “Scotch Greys”, with which he was heavily involved. I never thought of Andrew as a military man, but he explained that it is a breed of poultry.
Jimmy Blue told me that Andrew had been quite vocal at an early AGM and he (Jimmy) asked later, “Who is that man, I will have to get him on the Committee”, which started a long relationship between the two. Andrew also helped out at Musselburgh Festival for many years. Andrew had to leave his farm when new roads around Dumfermline had to be and he moved to a flat at Abbey House, Culross, where he made horse jumps and stands, which he painted with great care in line with the demands of the equestrian fraternity. He also maintained the border around the garden at Abbey House, the home of The Hon. Charles Bruce, son of the Earl of Elgin whom Andrew referred to as ‘The Lairdie’. The border was of considerable length with a width of six feet without a weed. Andrew knew the name of every flower, plant and bush. Andrew was also a keen gardener in his own area, entering many district shows and usually winning a cup for some exhibit.
Andrew covered many miles with his concert party, appearing at numerous village halls, WRIs, nursing homes etc. He had an interest in and attended many Strathspey and Reel functions and acted as Compere for many presentations.
He also had quite a knowledge of malt whisky, being able to differentiate between various brands. He was even known to partake of some of them occasionally!
Andrew, with his wife Margaret and son Jimmy, moved to Merryhill Cottage, Charlestown some years ago and Andrew produced a beautiful garden.
My late wife Helen and I had many splendid meals at Abbey House and Merryhill cottage where Andrew, Margaret, Helen and I spent the evenings putting the world to rights. Andrew was a man of many interests and hobbies who gave very freely of his time to the various activities he was involved in.
He was a quiet unassuming man who did a great deal to bring pleasure to many.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Andrew’s wife Margaret, sons John and Jimmy and daughter Elspeth.
The world will be a sadder place with Andrew’s passing.