AN ORIGINAL Still Game script auctioned by actor James Martin in aid of the Hollies Day Centre in Musselburgh was won with a £300 bid.

Mr Martin, 87, whose character Eric Hope was recently killed off in the popular TV sitcom, decided to auction the souvenir script, called The Demise of Eric, at a recent Fish Supper Night.

Held at the Hollies, the event was a big success, raising £1,864 for the day centre, as nearly 80 people, including three councillors, tucked into fish suppers supplied by the Rainbow Restaurant.

Keith Gemmell, who is originally from Prestonpans, was delighted to win the script, saying he couldn’t wait for the next Fish Supper Night. 

He said: “My partner Lesley is from Musselburgh.
“We wanted to support the Fish Supper Night because her aunt, Janet (Nettie) Napier, was one of the people involved in starting the Hollies and her mother, Cathie Tait, worked there for many years.

“In fact, Lesley herself worked in the cafe on a Saturday when she was a young girl and has a lot of happy memories of the Hollies.

“We had a great night out at and I’m delighted to have been able to support such an important and worthwhile cause.”

Mr Gemmell received another prize from centre manager Liz Shannon, who offered him a bacon roll a day for life at the Hollies.

Mr Martin, a trustee of the Hollies, said: “I was tremendously pleased with the outcome of the auction and surprised as the bidding went on and on.

“I am delighted we managed to raise this amount for the Hollies, who do such a fabulous job for the community.”

The Scotland strip which featured in Mr Martin’s last episode with ‘Eric 7’ on the back was given to Brodie Mackay, a 16-year-old pupil at Musselburgh Grammar School who is a staunch fan of the show. His mum Angela works at the Hollies.

Mr Martin, who is originally from Glasgow, asked to be written out of the series as he reached the age of 87 earlier this month.

His character was found slumped over the fruit machine in The Clansman pub after Craiglang’s new undertaker Iain Duncan Sheathing appeared and touched him.

The episode then looked into Eric’s past, revealing that decades previously he had an affair with famous Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida.

The show was created by Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, who play the lead characters Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade.

Mr Martin shared his acting skills at the Fish Supper Night, which was inspired by the sea and the format of a Burns supper.

He gave the immortal memory to Sir Walter Raleigh and toasted the mermaids.

Alister Hadden, from Wallyford, a trustee of the day centre, took on the part of King Neptune.

Members of the band Glenkinchie provided musical entertainment during the evening and took on roles at the event. Alan Taylor gave the address to the fish supper, Gillian Hunter toasted the manatees and Robert Hardy presented the Fisherrow Grace.

Ms Shannon said: “I would like to thank Jim Martin for all the work he put into the event and for his support for the Hollies. I would also like to thank all the performers and staff for making this fundraiser such a success.”