Gone home: Ian Duncan

Clyde Region was sorry to learn of the recent passing of Ian Duncan who was involved in Scouting on Glasgow's Southside for more than 40 years.

Ian Duncan was a Scout and Leader in the 81st Glasgow Sea Scouts in Shawlands in the 1960's. When they folded, he joined the 3rd Glasgow in Shawmoss Road. Here he stayed initially with their Scout Troop. He was then for many years their Venture Scout Leader.

Around the same time he became a member of the Lochgoilhead Scout Centre Support Group. It was then that he had first contact with the 29th Glasgow including frequent sharing of transport for weekends at Lochgoilhead. Ian was an RYA Powerboat and Dinghy Instructor although he preferred the large Longboats to the smaller wayfarers and certainly not Toppers.

Ian supported South Western then Burrell Districts and was the Assistant District Commissioner Venture Scouts until the position lapsed, following the creation of Explorer Scouts. His District Ski Trips were famous and introduced many to the slopes. Beginners were welcomed and well looked after. Within the 3rd he was now the Group Scout Leader taking on the role as Duncan Black had to become the Treasurer to secure Lottery funding.

About 10 years ago Ian started helping at the 29th Glasgow delivering RYA Powerboat Courses. When his 3rd Glasgow appointment ran out he became a formal Skills Instructor with the 29th. In addition to courses Ian facilitated the use of the small boats on the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals. Last year he willingly accepted the invitation to return to helping with the Scouts joining the 29th Glasgow's Thursday Troop as an Assistant Scout Leader.

The Lochgoilhead Centre was his second home. Over the years he had served several periods on the Support Group Committee including Chairman. At last year's National Scout Regatta he was awarded his 40 Year certificate for service to Scouting as a Leader.

In 2010 Ian was awarded the Silver Acorn by the Chief Scout for outstanding contribution to the Scout movement.

Outside Scouting Ian was keen on fishing and bowls. Being a member of the Wellcroft Bowling Club and past President regular participating in competitions and being a member of the Club team.

Ian's nature is perfectly summed up by the following quotation from Bob Lyall, the current Manager of the Lochgoilhead Support Group:

'When I joined the Support Group over 20 years ago Ian was one of the first of the 'old guard' to treat us 'young uns' as equals and I have fond memories of evening 'cruises' to Carrick in one of the old 'yachts' or Longboats. He also played a large part in training many current and past Support Group Members in keelboat sailing and power boating. Whenever there was an event he was always one of the first to offer help, and as long as it didn't clash with his lawn bowling he would always be there. The last time I met Ian was up at Lochgoilhead when he managed to light a fire during one of the wettest periods of weather (we were burning half of the old guide haven building). We had all the 'young staff' convinced that he had 'taught Bear Grylls all he knew about fires' but didn't have the heart to own up to that 'oily rag' that he 'found'..... Ian was one of the most modest and genuine guys I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and he will be sorely missed.'

Ian will be missed greatly by his many friends in Scouting and our thoughts are with his family at this time. His funeral takes place at 1.30pm on Monday 30th January at the Lynn Crematorium.