A Burns supper stalwart who entertained Dundonians over seven decades has died at the age of 96.
Tributes have been paid to Ally Gowans, who was an honorary president of the Robert Burns World Federation who had attended “thousands” of dinners since the late 1950s when he joined the Lochee Burns Club.
Speaking at the family home, his son Ally junior said his father – originally from Stobswell – had been widely known across the city, working with the Camperdown Singers in his prime.
Ally senior celebrated the life of the national bard in Dundee and as far afield as Canada and the US.
He recited many of Burns’ works, with his own favourites including Tam o’ Shanter and Epistle to a Young Friend.
The former NCR worker was a pupil at Clepington Primary School before moving to Southampton.
He went on to work as an aircraft fitter before returning to Dundee and marrying his wife, Jessie.
Jessie said the pair had been married for 72 years.
Ally was still addressing the haggis into his 90s at the Fairmuir Club.
Ally junior, 69, was inspired to follow his father on to the Burns supper circuit.
He admitted they had “different” approaches to celebrating the life of the Bard.
He said: “Dad must have started doing the suppers in 1958.
“I must have been around 24 when I saw him performing – I was killing myself laughing.
“It was in the Camperdown Lodge on Dura Street.
“My dad must have been well into four figures with the suppers he did.
“He was a major influence on me getting involved.
“We had totally different styles.”
Ally’s funeral will be held at Dundee Crematorium at 1.30pm on Monday November 26, family and friends are invited.
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