Memorial to Carluke man Jim Smyth

A TABLE and memorial plaque paying tribute to Carluke man Jim Smyth, who died in February 2011 at the age of 57, has been unveiled on a scenic spot near the Lowther Hills at Wanlockhead.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Nov 2012, 15:30 BST

The ceremony at Wanlockhead Visitor Centre was in recognition of Jim’s sterling voluntary work as Duke of Edinburgh Award co-ordinator for Lowther Hills between 1991 and 2011.

The spot where the table now stands was one of the checkpoints Jim reached when meeting up with Duke of Edinburgh Award wannabes as they attempted to do four-mile overnight treks in a bid to land Gold Awards.

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Jim’s wife Eleanor and their two children Fiona and Laura, along with Laura’s husband Barry, went on a commemorative walk of their own at the moving ceremony led by Alex Cummings, assistant director of the Awards for Scotland.

“Jim used to drop in on Gold Award candidates at this beautiful spot,” said Eleanor.

“He loved being out and involved with the young people and seeing them achieve awards.

“After the candidates had done their walks – providing the weather was nice – Jim used to do their evaluations there and then.

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“We were very moved by the memorial ceremony. It made us feel very humble and was a nice thing to do.

“My daughters and I were very appreciative of it.”

Eleanor said that the bright weather had made the day extra special.