THE streets of Menstrie were lined with folk last Friday as people said their final goodbyes to "true gentleman" Stan Paterson.

A community stalwart, Mr Paterson was known to many in Menstrie through his involvement and roles across a number of initiatives.

His funeral took place last Friday, February 26, after he passed away in late January at the age of 73.

Many lined up last week to applaud his work over the years as Mr Paterson made his last journey to his final resting place at Logie Kirk Cemetery.

Cllr Les Sharp, who knew Mr Paterson well from their time on Menstrie Community Council and beyond, reflected on the many hours of conversations the duo shared over the years.

He said: "Stan was a stalwart of our village community – from his role as trustee of the McNabb Trust, a role always carried out with dignity and discretion, to his many years as a community councillor, latterly as chair for over seven years, and a willing participant in all things Menstrie."

Taking over the community council chair when Cllr Sharp was elected to Clacks Council, Mr Paterson ably took on the running of community events such as the annual gala, duck race, Christmas carols and much more.

Cllr Sharp can still recall the laughs they shared when they secured a 25ft Christmas tree for the village one year, but were at a loss as to how to get the lights onto the top.

One of the many initiatives Mr Paterson got involved in was Menstrie Community Garden, which he "adopted as his own".

Cllr Sharp said: "Each day he would open up the gates, water the tomatoes, leeks and baskets, tending to each bed, loving it when someone popped in for a chat, especially when the children from the primary school or nursery popped round.

"He loved harvesting the crops and taking the produce round to 'pensioners'.

"At the end of each day, just before he locked up, he would sit and contemplate his day with a wee puff on his beloved pipe."

Indeed, a fundraiser has been ongoing in February to install a memorial in recognition of Mr Paterson's love and passion for the garden.

More than £3,200 has been raised with plans to introduce a gardening club in Stan's name and ensure his legacy lives on.

Cllr Sharp added: "Stan was loved around the village; when he was out with his dogs, or just for a walk, he would stop and chat with everyone he met, regaling the current project we were involved with.

"If I called him, he would often respond with: 'what are we up to now?'.

"But whatever it was, Stan got behind it."

During the first coronavirus lockdown, Mr Paterson also supported the effort, led by Dave Sharp, to deliver food for the most vulnerable in the village.

He always had time for people and often had long and welcome chats as he made his deliveries.

Many others joined in paying tribute to the village stalwart, including the bowling club, the resilience group and much more.

Cllr Sharp said: "Stan will be missed by everyone in the village but, for some, his passing will leave a large gap in their lives; the folk who he – quietly – looked after their gardens, cut their grass, popped round for a chat to make sure they were alright, and those of us who simply enjoyed the company of a gentle, unassuming man who helped anyone whenever he could."