DUMFRIES AND MAXWELLTOWN

John Charteris

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Lt. Col. John Charteris MC, MBE on 3 December 2023 at Midpark Hospital, Dumfries. 

After passing out at Sandhurst, John was commissioned into The Royal Scots and served in Aden, Malaya, Hong Kong, Borneo and Northern Ireland. Prior to joining the Army, John gained his pilot’s licence at the age of 16 and this stood him in good stead as he flew helicopters with the Army Air Corp for a time.

On retiring from the Army in 1995, John settled in Locharbriggs, Dumfries and was a Lochar ward councillor for 15 years. Additionally, he was also president of the Legion Scotland Dumfries and Maxwelltown branch for four years and helped to bring it back to life after it closed down in 1995.  

John – never afraid to speak his mind – was well respected by all who knew him. Our thoughts go out to his wife Antionette and his daughters Camilla and Annabel and son Nick and the grandchildren. 

DUNBAR

Andrew Marr Cairns

Andrew Marr Cairns, aged 85, passed away peacefully at home in Dunbar on 12 December 2023. 

Born in May 1938, Andrew was a long-serving and loyal member of the Royal British Legion Scotland for his entire adult life, initially with the Dunbar branch and then latterly at the Edinburgh branch. From 1956 to 1962, he served in the Royal Scots Greys and then joined the Royal Air Force in 1967 where he served for a further 19 years in UK and Germany, leaving as a senior aircraftman in 1976. 

Andrew was one of 12 children and was a much-loved and active member of the Dunbar community, enjoying golf and darts with his many friends. His final job before retirement was as a postman, often driving the post bus, a job he very much enjoyed for six years. 

Andrew is survived by his wife Valerie and their two children Graham and Amanda.