Funeral to take place of Nethy Bridge's man of many talents
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The funeral of one of the Highlands' most dedicated public servants will take place later today (Wednesday).
Alistair McCook MBE will be laid to rest at Abernethy Churchyard in his beloved home village of Nethy Bridge.
His funeral service takes place at Abernethy Old Kirk at noon
Mr McCook passed away at Grant House Care Home in Grantown on January 8.
He was best known as a founding member and ex-leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and for his work as a councillor in local government as well as for his rounds as a freelance press photographer serving the Strathy, the P&J and other titles.
But community councillor, police special constable, Abernethy Highland Games Association chairman, Explore Abernethy committee member and Rotary Club of Spey Valley founding member were just a few of his other local roles.
Mr McCook was also a member of the original Cairngorm Working Party set up by government and whose work was a forerunner for the creation of the Cairngorms National Park.
His son Sandy, also a press photographer, said: “Dad did a huge amount of good for the village which was always in his heart. The village was dad. He always did it in a quiet and unassuming way – and normally got his way by doing it like that.
“He was highly regarded by all and consulted by many.”
Former Strathy editor Ken Smith said: “As a novice newspaper editor back in 1989 I found myself turning often to Alistair not only for his photographs but also for much needed information about the strath and its many characters.
“His knowledge and the generosity with which he shared it was a godsend. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and I was proud to call him a friend.”
Gavin Musgrove, who took over at the Strathy helm from Mr Smith, said: "Alistair was such an unassuming person – he was so modest for someone who had achieved so much and given so much to the community.
"He was into his older years by the time I met him but he was full of energy and full of busy.
"He was still contributing photographs to the Strathy until the office closed in Grantown when he was in his early 90s."
His photos of the Cromdale Church siege in August 1976 won him awards and plenty of plaudits.
Stuart Black had the big boots of Mr McCook’s to fill as local councillor for Nethy Bridge.
He said: “Growing up in Nethy I became aware of how much Alistair was involved in local affairs.
“He was first mentioned in village minutes in 1953 but 10 years before that he was a member of the local Home Guard lugging a machine gun about keeping a look-out for enemy paratroopers!
“I said it would be a good tale for his popular talks but he said: ‘No, I don’t think I will’ as it was against regulations. That was Alistair all over."
Mr Black said his friend served many organisations with distinction.
"He was even an honorary vice-president of the local Young Farmers as he used to give talks during their winter programme. It was just another way of him giving up his time to help young people," said Mr Black.
"His slideshow talks were quite legendary in Nethy and he gave these into his 90s."
Mr McCook had told his successor to remember that in local government he was 'spending other people's money and so spend it wisely' which Mr Black said remained with him through-out his many years as a councillor.
He added: "Alistair had a great knowledge and love of the area and was keen to share this with others. I am going to miss most a very fine gentleman and loyal friend.”
Mr McCook is survived by Sandy, daughter-in-law Marion and grandchildren John and Hannah.
