TRIBUTES have been paid to veteran Musselburgh cricket player and community supporter Alastair Hare, who has died.

Mr Hare, who was vice-president of Musselburgh Cricket Club and a long-term supporter of The Old Musselburgh Club, died earlier this month shortly after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, with mourners asked to wear tartan or bright colours.

Mr Hare, who was 83, played for the cricket club for more than 50 years and was made vice-president and life member in recognition of his contribution.

He played well into his 70s and was described by members as a “true clubman” who was always willing to step up when they struggled for numbers.

He donated the Al ‘Gully’ Hare trophy for outfield catches to the club in 2002, having previously donated the 2nd XI Bowling Trophy when he was one of the driving forces in setting up the 2nd XI in 1980.

The club said: “Even once he finally retired from playing, Alastair retained a keen interest in the club’s progress, coming along to the AGMs and always staying in touch.”

As well as the club, Mr Hare played an active role in civic life, involving himself with The Old Musselburgh Club (TOMC)and Honest Toun’s Association.

Mr Hare joined TOMC in 1992 and went on to become club president between 2005 and 2007.

He supported all the club’s activities and when it began having Burns’ Supper, he gave the toast to The Haggis for years.

He also took over as convener for TOMC from George Montgomery for the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh ceremony, which is held on September 10 every year at the memorial stone, just off Salters Road, Wallyford.

Mr Hare organised the piper and floral tribute to the fallen, as well as preparing for the 12 names of fallen soldiers which are read out at the ceremony each year, and giving an account of the battle and flying the Saltire flag at the memorial stone.

Alister Hadden, from the Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Group, said that Mr Hare was the key figure in setting up the group in 2010 after approaching him and Dr Andrew Coulson, Roger Knox and Alan Stevens about ensuring the battle was given prominence.

This has led to the group creating a battlefield trail, holding guided walks on the anniversary along with TOMC’s annual ceremony, and an exhibition.

In tribute, Mr Hadden said he always attended Remembrance Sunday Services at Inveresk Kirk and attended all the club nights and events, taking part in outings and supporting other civic events in the year.

Mr Hadden said: “Alastair was a great supporter of traditions in Musselburgh and was instrumental in having TOMC get a photo album produced each year for the Town’s Honest Lad and Lass with their names and the town’s colours bound on to the front of them.

“He was an avid supporter of The Old Musselburgh Club.

“He was a man of character and will be sadly and sorely missed by all who knew him and we TOMC members and friends offer our sincere condolences to his much-loved wife Doreen, loving dad to Iain and Brenda, father-in-law of Glynne, cherished grandad to Alastair, Scott and Rhiannah.”