THE family of Burns club stalwart Ian Wightman are planning to hold a day of celebration of his life at his home as they thank the community for their support.

Mr Wightman, who would have turned 72 today (Thursday), died last month in a road accident on the M9 as he travelled home from a fishing trip.

He was a well-known figure at both Burns club events and within the motorbiking community.

Before his funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh, family and friends took to their bikes for a lap of East Fortune Race Circuit, where he was a regular and well-known face for many years.

Mr Wightman’s coffin was rode round the county circuit, his Triumph Thruxton modified to allow the family to complete a ‘final lap’. And a collection at the funeral raised £1,053 for the British Biker Relief Foundation.

His son Graeme said that the family had been moved by the strength of community spirit shown following the news of his sudden death.

He said: “Whether it be local neighbours of my dad, the funeral team, the various Burns clubs and the biking community within East Lothian, what it proved to me is that community spirit is very much alive and is an enormous credit to the local area.”

Mr Wightman’s family have written a letter thanking all those who have supported them and shared memories of their dad.

In it they paid tribute to their dad’s passion for life and for his family, including his adored five grandchildren.

And they are planning to hold a celebration of his life at his home in Prestonpans on Saturday, September 1.

The day will be a chance for people to share stories, look at DVDs and photographs and remember Mr Wightman.

Everyone is welcome to drop by the house at 6 Northfield Court from 1pm on the day.

Graeme said: “We hope to see you there but in the meantime, as my dad would have said, ‘lang may yer lum reek’, enjoy life and thanks again for your support as a wider community – it’s a great credit to you all and be proud of it, we are of you.”