GREAT sadness has been expressed at the sudden passing of Skelmorlie Bowling Club President Neil Nicolson, who played the sport for more than half a century and was a cherished friend of many.

Neil was one of the village's great characters, having lived in the same house in Innes Park Road for 72 years, and well known in community circles for his friendly character and willingness to help others.

Born and bred in the village, Neil's father - also Neil - was born on the Isle of Skye and took to do with Largs Gaelic Choir, where he was honorary president, and presided over Skelmorlie Highlanders for 50 years.

Neil initially lived in Beechwood Cottage in Eglinton Terrace for the first six years of his life and went on to become a dux at the local primary, and was an extremely bright secondary school pupil who excelled in geography, before studying accountancy at the University of Glasgow.

He carried out his apprenticeship in a firm in Greenock, and also worked at firms in Paisley and Glasgow,

Although never married, he was a very popular uncle figure devoted to his nieces and nephews, and lived with his sister Heather until she passed away a few years ago.

Neil Nicolson was an inspirational leader at Skelmorlie Bowling Club and encouraged young talent to emergeNeil Nicolson was an inspirational leader at Skelmorlie Bowling Club and encouraged young talent to emerge (Image: Skelmorlie Bowling Club)

Neil's love of sport saw him as a season ticket holder with Glasgow Rangers for many years, and he also regularly attended Largs Thistle matches, while he had a profound love for cricket, and of course, bowling.

He was very much a familiar sight around the village and regularly walked his cockapoo Cuillin, which previously belonged to Heather.

Not only was Neil the current president of Skelmorlie Bowling Club but president of Largs and District Past Presidents, and had also been past president of the whole of Ayrshire in bowling circles.

Family members told the News that his sudden death at the weekend was a 'real shock' to everyone after he had been through a triple bypass operation back in February and had made a good recovery, only to be struck down with a heavy stroke on Sunday morning which he tragically didn't recover from. He passed away at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

Sister Iona Doull paid tribute and said: "Neil was very well known as Skelmorlie is such a small village. He was good and loved his quizzes and him and team regularly won bowling and Highlander quiz events. 

"Geography gave him a lifelong obsession with maps and travel books and National Geographic magazine.

"He was a real eccentric and was very much known as 'One man and his dog' when seen walking the streets of Skelmorlie.

"I was very close to Neil and he was very good brother, with a very droll sense of humour and he had a unique way of looking at life and had a very interesting perspective on things. He was a very honest man and very straight forward and direct.

"We have heard so many nice stories about Neil from people he knew, and I know for a fact that he helped many of the young ones at the bowling club and he would go out of his way to support them and was proud as punch when they went on to do well in club competitions."

In a moving tribute online, Skelmorlie Bowling Club posted on their Facebook page: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the sudden death of our club president Neil Nicolson.

"Neilly was a dedicated leader, a true ambassador for the sport, and a cherished friend/member of our club for many years. His passion, commitment, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping the club into the thriving community it is today. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"During this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences are with Neilly’s family and loved ones.

"Sleep tight Neilly. You will forever remain in our hearts and memories."