Provost who made major contribution to transformation of Inverness

Born: August 19, 1927;

Died: March 10, 2018

WILLIAM AE Fraser, known as Bill, who has died aged 90, was a long-serving councillor in the Highlands and a former provost of Inverness who made a major contribution to the transformation of the city centre. He was an early supporter of the idea of den Court Theatre, and became one of its governors. He was also instrumental in the creation of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC's Tulloch Caledonian stadium, and the Inverness Leisure Centre.

A master-butcher by trade, Mr Fraser ran one of the city centre's longest-established family retail businesses, founded by his late father Duncan is 1911. He joined the family firm on completion of his national service in 1947 and it continues trading successfully today under the stewardship of his two sons Duncan and William.

Mr Fraser was first elected to Inverness Town Council in 1965 and served on it and its successor body, Inverness District Council, as well as on the Highland Region until his retirement from local authority affairs in 1996.

At the thanksgiving service for Mr Fraser's life at Inverness's Old High Church, his former council colleague Bill McAllister delivered an eulogy whose theme was the former provost's integrity in matters of public service, his considerable contribution to various amenities that residents of Inverness now take for granted, and his sterling contribution to a wide variety of local and national charitable bodies that have helped improve the quality of life for many people living in the city and its surrounding area.

Amongst those was the town's Eden Court Theatre, with Mr Fraser firmly supporting the concept of a municipal playhouse from the outset and becoming a governor after it became a reality.

As provost for four years from 1992, Mr Fraser presided over the delivery of major projects, including providing the site for Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC's Tulloch Caledonian stadium, and the Inverness Leisure Centre at the city's Bught Park, that has since hosted Scottish national sports championships.

As an Inverness councillor, he was an enthusiast for The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust that the Duke of Rothesay established to help support young people between 18-30 to start up and grow their own businesses.

He was an active proponent of Highland Opportunity and Highland Prospect, schemes that the regional council set up to provide affordable loans to help small businesses expand and provide jobs in the north of Scotland.

In a separate tribute, former provost Alex Graham stated: "Bill Fraser brought a tremendous council experience and extensive knowledge of the local community and its business environment to his role as provost of Inverness."

After retirement from council affairs, Mr Fraser played a major role in establishing Inverness BID in 2008 - the first Business Improvement District to be formed in Scotland, with the aim of improving the look and trading environment of Inverness city centre. Recently almost 80 per cent of traders voted for the Inverness BID to continue till 2023; there are currently another 38 BIDs operating in Scotland, with others in preparation.

Bill Fraser was a Commander of the Order of Saint John, a Christian charitable body best known for the St John's Ambulance brigade but which also helps fund the volunteers of Scottish Mountain Rescue teams and promotes safety in the hills.

At his request all donations at his funeral service went to Seagull Trust Cruises, a charity that provides free canal cruises for people with special needs. Bill Fraser had played a major role in establishing its Highland branch in 1989. It provides twice-daily April to September trips in a suitably-modified modern cruiser on a 4.5-mile stretch of the Caledonian Canal from a jetty near Inverness's Caley Marina to Dochgarroch at the northern end of Loch Ness. It has carried over 10,000 passengers during the last five years.

Bill Fraser, who was created an MBE in 2002, met his wife Margaret (nee Rolland), from Perth, when she was providing hairdressing instruction in Inverness. The couple enjoyed 63 years of marriage. As well as his widow, Bill is survived by sons Duncan and William and daughters Morag and Caroline, together with nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Bill Fraser was the second ex-provost of Inverness to die in March. His predecessor and successor in that office, the late Allan Sellar, died aged 93, on March 1.

BILL MOWAT

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