born 20.07.1946 in …………..
died 19.07.2023 in Edinburgh
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This page remains under construction
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To quote Ian’s own words (from his photographic website), “my background is in science teaching, ecology, education and health promotion. My passions are landscape photography and folk music. I have published widely in science, photography and folk music.”
Ian was a protegé of Norman Buchan, and was taught by Adam McNaughtan at Rutherglen Academy. In addition to his political career, Buchan compiled a book entitled 101 Scottish Songs often referred to as The Wee Red Book. Adam McNaughtan, another product of the Scottish Folk Revival of the 1960s, was known for his humorous and satirical songs that often depicted the life and culture of Glasgow. It was perhaps inevitable then, that Ian became involved in folk singing and became a member of the “Ian Davison Folk Group” who were prominent in the 60s folk revival. Together with his wife Anne, along with Jim Weatherston and his wife May, they later sang as a folk group called “Fairmile” who, amongst many other places, appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Despite folk music and song being such an important part of his life, Ian was perhaps best known and respected for his career and pioneering work in developing the concept of the health promoting schools, and indeed their implementation. This began to take form when he was Education Adviser at the Scottish Health Education Group and, in 1986, when through the European Office of the World Health Organisation, he organised the first International Conference with this as its theme.
Ian’s creativity was clearly evident in his publications, training programmes and manuals. But those who participated in the conferences he organised, would also be very aware of his musical talents. His guitar, and sometimes banjo, would often accompany him to these events. His solo performances and the leading of more communal singing, provided an enjoyable and memorable social dimension, some time before the more recent recognition of the benefits of community choirs!
His creativity extended to his skills as a photographer, with an extensive portfolio of work. He had a background in ecology and the biological sciences, and many of his photographs featured Scottish landscapes reflecting his understanding of and respect for the natural world. Ian’s photographs have appeared in numerous publications including the National Geographic and Scotsman calendars.
In the latter stages of his career at the NHS, Ian led the organisation’s international programme, and his lifetime’s work was rewarded by being made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2008. When he retired, he was still involved in Health Promotion, and as an advisor to the World Health Organization,
Compared to many of us at “Let it Blaw”, Ian came to the Club late but his contribution thereafter was no less significant. He attended the suppers of 2016, 2017 and 2018 as a guest, and instantly participated accompanying himself on guitar, banjo, or as part of the Band that lead us each year in the well-known Burns’ songs. He joined “Let it Blaw” in September 2018. His contributions to the “Silly Buggers” performances at Club Suppers always went down well with his whistle, guitar and strong baritone voice.
Ian sang the “Silver Tassie” on a couple of occasions, “Ye Banks and Braes” on another, and joined with his cronies to lead “Is there for Honest Poverty” at the start of our evenings on five occasions.
Ian sadly became ill yet was still to be heard singing at our 2022 Supper, although his health didn’t allow his attendance this year. He died at home in Edinburgh on 19th July 2023 and is survived by his wife Anne and two sons
Ian’s achievements and talents will be well recognised by those who worked with and knew him. We will remember him as a wonderful individual who was good fun, great company, caring, thoughtful and generous – a privilege to have known as colleague, friend and a crony to all at “Let it Blaw.”
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