Eddie was one of the longest standing Paddle Scotland members, a former board member, Chair and a key member of the Access Committee for many years. 

Saying Eddie will be sorely missed in the paddling community is an understatement and Paddle Scotland would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this time.

Paddle Scotland’s CEO, Stuart Smith, says “Eddie dedicated 20 years to Paddle Scotland’s work supporting paddlers in Scotland.

Throughout this time he was always at the forefront of our work on Access & Environment - leading volunteers and staff and developing vital links with external and statutory bodies. From authoring guidebooks, the proceeds of which supported further access work, to serving as a trustee for the Andy Jackson Fund, Eddie has been at the forefront of so many initiatives benefiting paddlers, including the Tay Descent. 

Eddie also served on the SCA Board and was chair for 4 years through to the 2017 AGM. 

Our thoughts are very much with his wife, Ellie and all those with whom Eddie volunteered alongside in Paddle Scotland and beyond.”

A fuller appreciation of Eddie’s life and contribution to paddlesport will be shared in a future issue of Scottish Paddler. 

If you would like to leave a message of condolence, please do so here and we will compile and share the messages with Eddie’s family.

Update on funeral arrangements

Eddie's funeral will be an open-air gathering at the Natural Woodland Burial Ground near Kellas village, Angus (Cairnbrae)

at 2.30 pm on Tuesday 19th November 2024. No flowers please. There is parking inside the ground. Dress is informal, any colour you feel comfortable in. 

If you would like to mark Eddie's life he would have wanted this to be a donation to the charity he helped to found Scottish Badgers where you can leave a message of tribute.

There will be a reception afterwards at the wildlife friendly and cosy  Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort just a few miles away which has spacious parking and level access.

If you would like to attend, please email hello@paddlescotland.org.uk and we will share details with the family to help with venue numbers.