Duncan was ‘a true patriot’

Duncan Fenton was born and brought up in Glasgow, but moved to Cumbernauld in the ‘70’s, and is best known for his work as a leading light of the Society of William Wallace.

News of his passing has inspired tributes from across he world, as the reputation he had gained – through speech-making, lectures, and campaigning to raise the profile of Scottish history – earned him a large and enthusiastic following at home and abroad.

During the last four years of his life he had served as convener of the Society, following the death of the previous convener, his close friend David Ross. Fellow members have described him as “a true patriot.”

According to his fulsome obituary in The Herald newspaper his last major speech was delivered last month at Loudoun Hill, to commemorate those who died fighting under Wallace in 1296.

The same obituary relates that the 250 mourners who attended his funeral at Holytown Crematorium were amazed to see two saltire patterns in the sky – apparently due to the chance passing of two aeroplanes.

Mr Fenton had worked for several decades for the same company, and was a forklift driver until a few weeks before he passed away.

He is survived by his long-term partner Jean, his two daughters to Jean, and one granddaughter; two daughters from his earlier marriage, and six grandchildren; and by his sisters Jean and Margaret.