Published: Thursday, 10th July, 2008 8:25am

Longest-serving ranger bids farewell

SCOTLAND"S longest-serving countryside ranger bows out today (Friday) after keeping a watchful eye on the county"s parks and beaches for more than three decades.

Victor Lough ends 33 years as a guardian of the county"s natural environment, saying he has enjoyed every minute of his job because 'mother nature never stands still'.

The 65-year-old was one of the first countryside rangers to be appointed in East Lothian and has since crossed every blade of grass in his patch - from Garvald to Dunglass - during his long tenure.

Dunbar resident Victor, who lives in Doon Avenue with his wife Gwen, was smitten with the outdoors from an early age and served apprenticeships as a forrester and estate maintenance manager, including a stint under the Duke of Roxburgh.

Of his work he said: 'It"s deeply fascinating for me and still as interesting today as when I first started. The countryside in East Lothian has lots of diversity and a huge variety of wildlife.

'In this line of work it is important to be inquisitive and enjoy observing nature and discovering what makes things tick.'

The greatest perk of his job, he said, was letting youngsters explore their own county on school outings and day trips.

'I have had lots of people who I had taken for a tour of the countryside in their youth come up to me over the years and tell me how inspired they were by the trip. That"s very rewarding.'

Despite retiring from public service the father-of-three is not turning his back on the outdoors. He plans to take up a job in his wife"s landscaping business.

In a tribute to Victor, an East Lothian Council spokesperson said: 'His knowledge of the natural history, geology and wildlife of the county is second to none and he has helped many young people over the years learn to enjoy their own countryside.'