TRIBUTES have been paid to “an absolute gem of a guy” who was involved with community groups throughout Dunbar.

John Band participated in groups ranging from the town’s Rotary club to the harbour trust and Christmas lights team.

Members of each group offered kind words to Mr Band, who died last week.

Graham Adams, vice-chairman of Dunbar Community Council, was among those paying tribute.

The group met on Monday evening and Mr Adams said: “He was a stalwart. He did a lot of work for Dunbar with the Rotary, the schools, Christmas lights and East Lothian Foodbank. He was involved with Dunbar Harbour Trust as well.

“He will be a big loss to the town.

“He died fairly suddenly.”

'Part of everything'

Dunbar Rotary met on the same day and also paid tribute to the 75-year-old, who lived near East Linton.

He was “part of everything” that the club organised, including Bikes for Africa, Water Aid fundraising, the Saturday book stall and the annual charity shop.

His wife, Thelma, who passed away in 2018, was previously president of the group.

Elaine O’Brien, the current president, said: “John was a quiet, efficient, lovely member of our club.

“He joined in 2012 as a member of the club and he never really sought high office but was always there.”

Mr Band’s funeral takes place at Mortonhall in Edinburgh next Thursday (July 28) at noon.

Yvonne Wemyss knew Mr Band, who had a daughter, Hazel, through both the harbour trust and the Christmas lights committee.

She praised his commitment and effort to both groups, including being involved with the popular Christmas lights display for more than a decade.

She said: “He had a vast knowledge of the harbour trust and everything that happened.

“He was a fabulous guy through and through, with not a bad word to say about a soul.”