The death has been reported of Alex Dalziel, Chief Steward for the RSPBA. Alex was 72 and attended the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship last Sunday in an unofficial capacity before taking ill. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Association and from West Lothian.
Both Alex and his wife Wilma have been linked to the Association’s Lothian & Borders Branch since their first involvement with pipe bands. Alex was Vice-Chairman; Wilma was Trophy Officer of both the Branch and the RSPBA.
To be involved in the branch Alex had to be registered with a band, and over the years he had connections with Polkemmet under P/M Davie Barnes, Drambuie, Lothian & Borders Police, Craigmount and latterly both Alex and Wilma registered with Wallacestone.
RSPBA Chief Executive Ian Embelton paid Alex this tribute: ‘I cannot speak highly enough of him. When he took ill at last year’s Scottish Championship we were all very concerned but thankfully he recovered and there he was at the next championship running about putting up tents and carrying out his normal duties.
‘Alex was unstinting in the time he gave to the Association and its bands. The smooth running of our championships were made all the easier for his efforts. It was always 100% from Alex no questions asked. Nothing was too much bother for him.
‘Despite all his work and effort he never took a penny in expenses or any other form of gratuity. He will be terribly missed by us all and our thoughts go out to Wilma, their family, and friends.’