We are sad to report that West Saltoun resident, Community Councillor and father of three Derek Smith, who previously taught PE and led the guidance team at Ross High School in Tranent before he retired, died on September 15th. His three children all went to Saltoun Primary School, Catriona, younger sister Debbie, who sadly passed away three and a half years ago and brother Euan.

Derek was a member of Humbie East & West Saltoun and Bolton Community Council, receiving a long service award. He rarely missed a meeting and was very committed to his home village of West Saltoun and doing the best for the Community. He was a key part of the resilience effort in the village during lockdown, collecting shopping for a number of people who could not venture out due to Covid-19 restrictions. He was very much a community person who did not expect the council to do everything for him.

Derek remained active in his retirement and was heavily involved in cricket and rugby. He continued to help Ross High in in many ways, not least his presence at the annual sports days. The Community Council bequeathed a cup in his name to be presented for Outstanding Sportsperson at Ross High School.

He was involved in many community activities. He ran wine tasting events in Gifford and Saltoun. He was an excellent quiz master in Bolton Village Hall.

He was a lovely man who will be missed by many groups of people.