Dunblane residents have paid tribute to a long time trader in the town who has died.
Sandy Hunter passed away on Wednesday, April 8, at the age of 87.
Discover Dunblane and Dunblane Development Trust confirmed the news last week.
Mr Hunter was well known among the town’s residents. He ran the popular DA Hunter store in High Street for many years.
Mr Hunter’s father, David, started the menswear emporium in 1913.
Sandy carried out his National Service in the RAF at the age of 18 before taking up a job with Smith Meters but with his ageing father running the store, he decided to join him and lend a helping hand.
His father passed away in 1970 and Sandy took over the day-to-day running of the shop.
In March 2017, the Observer told how Mr Hunter was to retire and the store was to close.
In a social media post, Dunblane Development Trust said: “Many Dunblaners will have bought clothing at Sandy’s High Street shop. He was a gentle, kind and friendly man loved by all who knew him. Featuring in the book ‘Dunblane: The People in a Century of Change’ and ‘Voices of Dunblane: Memories of the ‘30s, ‘40s and 50s’ Sandy said: “I remember that as a young child even as young as three, I was in and out of the shop all the time.”
Discover Dunblane posted: “We are hearing tonight that Dunblane has lost a High Street legend. Rest in peace, Sandy.”
Jacqueline Bradley added: “He was one of Dunblane’s legends and will always be remembered by everyone, whether it was buying black plimsolls or school ties or waterproofs or y-fronts or socks or shirts or wellies etc..... he was a real character and will be sadly missed.”
Duncan Garden posted: “As a young lad myself , going into Davy Hunter’s was always a fascination and Sandy followed on in his footsteps. True gentleman and never a bad word to say. Long live his memory.”
Keith Paterson said: ” My Mum always got me the “Christmas socks” from Sandy. After leaving home and Dunblane I remained a regular. He was always interested in how I was getting on and we always had a long chat about forestry.
“A total gentleman.”
