I’ve just arrived at Glasgow airport en-route to a new, blue stone film, preview meeting in the city.
Key sponsors of the film including Pfizer, Gruenthal and Napp – are going to be there, as well as NHS clinical consultants and other leading figures in the health sector.
It’s an important day and to be honest these occasions are a bit like giving birth!
There’s always a heightened sense of expectation and uncertainty as everyone wants to see how
the new baby is going to look and sound!
However, for once, an event like this is tinged with some sadness.
Today is the funeral of Dan Buglass.
Dan was one of the first journalists to call me - many years ago – when I joined the BBC and extended an unconditional hand of friendship, and welcome.
I will never forget his magnanimous gesture.
Although he did not know me well at that time, it did not matter to Dan. He knew that a new kid on the block needed friends in the business, and in the know, and that’s exactly what he gave me with great bonhomie.
His sartorial flair was legend and he cut a dapper figure from city board meetings to country shows.
Today he would be called, a specialist correspondent, which is of course, exactly what he was.
But to Dan, his prodigious knowledge and reportage of UK and global agriculture, was simply a natural extension of his life and love of farming matters and of those who lived and worked on the land.
He was one of life’s gentlemen and of that old school where decorum and grace was inherent.
What is never discussed but widely known and I feel is in no way disrespectful to his memory is he had a great liking for his “morning”. That this widely held Scottish tradition – until our more recent sober times – of a wee nip or dram early in the day, was a dying tradition, was a great mystery to Dan. He was someone who happily enjoyed his uisge bhea and made no apologies about it!
Despite being warned away by BBC exec’s – because of his liking for the “cratur” – not to engage Dan, as a contributor to the many programmes I produced, I chose to ignore them.
He was punctilious to a degree, always added value to any story, providing insight, depth and analysis, and was the consummate professional who never once let anyone down.
That I cannot attend his funeral this afternoon is a mater of great regret to me.
To Dan, I owe my unending gratitude and respect, always.
I will miss him.
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Dan, a lovely man.
The easiest person to take copy from, you didn’t have to ask Dan any questions, the copy just flowed and he anticipated any queries.
Always complimentary to the copytakers of The Scotsman, we were professional, you were professional Dan. We will miss you.
Have a dram on us.
The Copytakers
have just read the above comments about my dad and its a great comfort to know that he was liked by so many people
as you can see from Margaret’s comments Liz, your Dad was widely liked and respected. He was like a Father figure to me, and generous and respectful to a degree. I miss him.