Donald Beaton

Donald always had a connection with the Kyles and most of it was about “mucking about” on the water.

There was a time in the Kyles of Bute when the Sailing Club could organise multiple line starts not only for the fleet of Loch Longs and Smith’s Kyles dinghies but also for a large handicap fleet. Like many kids, Donald found a berth in the Loch Longs fleet, usually in Nochtie, his Uncle Jimmy’s boat, and at times Dr Thompson winning Loch Long too, when a win was more certain.  In those days, one only had to be at the KOBSC hut to find a berth - no snazzy sailing gear needed or in those days a life jacket - simply turn up and go. Also, in those day not only Saturday, Sunday but also evening Tuesday and Thursdays races were well attended and the results appearing in the Glasgow Herald.

The Portavadie development has had a profound impact. Donald wistfully remembered the heady days of working and partaking at every drinking establishment and sleeping in Kames Hotel’s hallway, such was the pressure for accommodation. This pressure for accommodation saw a tailing off of family rentals and the draw of cheaper package tours to Spain changed the dynamics within the Village. The change from dayboats to family cruisers was evident too as Donald helmed Lassiette, the family cruiser, on a couple of  Skipness race to win the Donald Cup highlighting the developing trend of larger cruising boats.

Donald’s progression from rank amateur to more than proficient yachtsman stems from the fact that there was seldom a season when he wasn’t sailing on home waters, the Mediterranean, Far East- Malaysia, Australian and Tasmania. This year’s plan was to sail to Norway and spend time there.  But most of all there were just weekends when Sheena and Donald were as happy in Aja to go for a potter, anchor and enjoy the scenery of Balnakailly Bay in the Narrows.

The sale of Rockholm and over a century’s of family memorabilia meant that Jimmy Donald’s sailing log was donated to the Club. Then, it was at Donald’s insistence too that Rockholm’s Laser be donated to the Club.

Donald’s illness progressed swiftly. The Family would thank all those Club members who attended Donald’s funeral and the many, many notes of sympathy and condolences.

Donald Beaton 14 April 1957 - 24 February 2025

From the Greenock Telegraph 

Friday 16 March 2025

Tributes to Greenock’s Donald Beaton

One of the kindest humans you’ll ever meet

Tributes were paid to Donald Beaton at Greenock Crematorium on Thursday 6 March. The building being packed to the rafters with all spaces including the balcony occupied.

Clare Digance, Humanist Society Scotland led the tributes recounting Donald’s service to the Inverclyde Community. Volunteering on the Inverclyde Chlidrens’ Panel for nearly a decade. He helped with the hearings rota and even extended his appointment by an additional three years to ensure it was kept running smoothly.

His friend and colleague, Mo, said “Donald was a very well respected member of the volunteer community, much admired for his integrity, respect and kindness.”

The head reporter for Inverclyde said that Donald always showed great perception and empathy when dealing with families and children, his focus always on making sure their voices were heard. He was very generous with his time, buddying and mentoring new members, supporting new chairs as they settled into their role even when it meant sacrificing some of his much anticipated retirement for panel work.

And in return, Donald took great satisfaction from his time with the panel. He enjoyed making a difference and being part of such a tight knit good-hearted community. He was a great laugh and a real presence who will be hugely missed by everyone who volunteered alongside him.

Donald’s other passion was sailing his yacht, Aja, Not only in the Clyde and the the West Coast Islands but also as far as the Faroe Islands and once out to the remote rock, Rockall being one of the few to have touched this far flung Atlantic rock.

Later, friends packed the Royal Gourock Yacht Club to reminisce and share fond memories of Donald.

Regards

Hamish