John Hulbert
Born: March 24, 1939;
Died: December 31, 2025
Dr John Hulbert, who has died aged 86, was a former provost of Perth and Kinross, GP, author and historian with an unwavering commitment to his community.
John was born on in Madras (now Chennai) India, where his parents served as missionaries. When he was seven, the family returned to Scotland and settled in St Andrews, where his father became parish minister of Hope Park Church.
He attended Madras College, a remarkable coincidence given his birthplace, where he rose to become head boy and went to study medicine at St Andrews University. His studies were interrupted by a serious road accident in 1958. After a lengthy recovery, he applied to Edinburgh University, where he completed his degree. While at Edinburgh, he took the opportunity to join the University Air Squadron and learned to fly. In 1963, he married Sara, whom he had first met at school.
John’s medical career spanned more than three decades. After early work in medical microbiology in Aberdeen, he moved into general practice in Dundee in 1971. The following summer, he applied to take over the practice where he had been working as a locum. Over time, the practice grew steadily, evolving into a large, multidisciplinary team serving thousands of patients.
As senior partner, John recognised the need for modern facilities. He launched an architectural competition to design the new Terra Nova Medical Practice, creating space for an expanded range of services and clinics.
In 1980, together with Sara, he established Tayside’s first medical deputising service, the Tayside Radio Doctor Service, which provided structured night and weekend cover for GPs across Dundee. This pioneering initiative helped shape modern out‑of‑hours care and was a forerunner of NHS24.
John’s sense of duty extended beyond medicine into public life. He joined the SNP in 1967 and was appointed health spokesman. He stood as an SNP candidate for two Westminster constituencies, North Aberdeenshire in 1979 and North East Fife in 1983. Although not elected, his interest in politics endured. After moving to Longforgan, his focus shifted to local affairs. He stood for the Carse of Gowrie ward and was elected to Perth and Kinross Council in 1995.
Within the council, John’s main interests were planning, development control and economic development. He was also on the Perth Theatre Board for many years as well as a trustee of the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust. Alongside Cllr Peter Mulheron, he mounted the A90 campaign, which resulted in building the central barrier and four new grade-separated junctions, cutting the death toll on that road by three quarters.
John served as provost from 2007 to 2012, a period marked by two landmark achievements. In 2010, he masterminded Perth’s 800th anniversary celebrations, a year-long programme of more than 100 events.
From late 2010 onwards, he turned his attention to restoring Perth’s official city status as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee City Status Competition. He chaired the City Status Steering Group and led a meticulously researched campaign, drawing on historic charters and Perth’s unique heritage to make a compelling case. His advocacy united local businesses, civic leaders, and community organisations behind the bid. When Perth was officially granted city status in 2012, John described it as “the most important event in Perth’s history in nearly 200 years”, a testament to his vision and determination.
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Alongside his civic responsibilities, John gave dedicated service to the Church of Scotland. He was an elder for 54 years, first at Dundee Parish Church (St Mary’s) and later at Longforgan Parish Church, where he was appointed Session Clerk and served for 20 years.
John was also an accomplished writer. His publications include Perth: A Comprehensive Guide for Locals and Visitors, Scotland’s Oldest and Newest City, a detailed account of Perth’s campaign to regain city status; and The Stone of Destiny & The Scots, which explored the symbolism and history behind one of Scotland’s most iconic artifacts. At the end of 2025, John completed his fourth book, a memoir of his life as a GP in Dundee. It is scheduled for release in spring or summer 2026.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, John was passionate about protecting Scotland’s historic orchards and fruit varieties. Over several decades, he cultivated a remarkable orchard in the Carse of Gowrie, where he also kept a few hives of bees. With Sara, he preserved more than 25 rare pear cultivars - many with deep local connections - earning formal recognition as a National Plant Collection by Plant Heritage. Their orchard became a vital source of budwood for conservation, supporting national grafting programmes and community planting schemes. His vision and generosity have ensured that the fruits of the Carse of Gowrie will flourish for generations to come.
John’s contributions were widely recognised throughout his life. Most recently, he served as chair of the Friends of St John’s Kirk of Perth. He continued in this role until the summer of 2024, when he chose to focus on his writing.
In 2011, he reinstated a historic tradition by appointing Perth and District Pipe Major Alistair Duthie as City Piper - reviving an arrangement dating back to the 1700s that had lapsed in 1975 when Perthshire was absorbed into Tayside Region. In recognition of his commitment to the band, John was appointed as Patron.
He played a leading role in relocating the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s headquarters to Perth. In recognition of this achievement, he was awarded an honorary fellowship of the society, presented by the Princess Royal in 2012.
The following year, in 2013, he received the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, a prestigious state decoration presented by the President of Poland in recognition of his outstanding contributions to international cooperation and his efforts to strengthen relations between Perth and Poland, especially with Perth’s twin city of Bydgoszcz.
John also championed Perth’s other international twinning relationships, working closely with committees dedicated to partnerships with Aschaffenburg, Cognac and Haikou.
His passion for the Black Watch and its legacy was equally strong. He was proud to be named an honorary friend of the regiment.
Across medicine, public service, writing and family life, John’s hallmark was an enduring sense of responsibility and care. He devoted his energies to improving healthcare, strengthening civic life and preserving Scotland’s heritage, while remaining grounded in his family and community.
Above all, John was a devoted husband to Sara, whose steadfast support was the cornerstone of his life and career. Together, they created a family home that provided the foundation for his achievements in medicine, public service and writing. He often acknowledged the important role Sara played in enabling his work.
John was deeply committed to his family. He took a genuine interest in his three children, supporting their pursuits and careers.
John is survived by Sara, their three children, Ian, Jane and Claire, their five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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