'Highland media giant' Bill McAllister dies
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Inverness Courier columnist Bill McAllister has died.
The well-respected journalist, author and media relations officer had been taken ill earlier this month.
Tributes have been shared online, with many passing condolences to his wife, Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister, and their family.
Freelance journalist David Love said: "He was undoubtedly the most well-known, witty, welcoming person with a fantastic memory equalled only by his zest for life. I had the unenviable task of following in his footsteps and inevitably couldn't do them justice as he was such a phenomenon."
STV reporter Nicola McAlley said: "Such sad news. A giant in Highland media."
Mr McAllister, originally from Dingwall, lived in Inverness.
He started his career in journalism when he joined the North Star as a 16-year-old. Two years later he worked for the Highland News, before later moving to the Press and Journal, with roles including north news editor for a period.
Around 1990, he set up his own press and public relations company, McAllister Media, with several high-profile local firms as clients, including Tulloch Homes. He sold the business in early 2014 to Aberdeen-based Frasermedia, also joining it as a PR account director.
He described it as an ideal fit at that stage of his career, adding: “Looking to the future, my goal is to eventually scale down my activities over the next few years – but right now I’m relishing this new challenge and opportunity.”
His voice was also familiar to many as BBC Scotland's Highland football correspondent for over a decade and he had a 20-year career playing football for several Inverness Welfare League teams and Dingwall Thistle.
He was also a member of Inverness District Council for more than 15 years. He was involved with the Scottish Sports Council for several years and was chairman of the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils for a time.
Mr McAllister wrote the Highland Hundred – The History of the Highland Football League 1893-1993, stating in his foreword that he felt privileged to be asked to research and write the book about its centenary.
He stated: "I actually played two Highland League matches in the early '60s, one for Ross County at Peterhead and the other for Brora Rangers at Dingwall. At the ripe old age of 21, I 'retired' because a move from the Highland News to the P and J meant working every other Saturday."
Mr McAllister provided a weekly Down Memory Lane column for the Courier for over a decade.
Focusing mainly on landmark anniversaries linked to significant people and/or places from Inverness's past, he also delivered forthright views on newsworthy topics.
Courier content editor Andy Dixon said: "Bill's contribution to the Courier was significant. His pieces on Highland history provided an extra dimension for readers which is unlikely to be matched.
"Always open to ideas, discussion and sharp as a pin, Bill will be missed by everyone in the team – as well as our readers, who respected his opinions and enjoyed being led Down Memory Lane.
"Our sincere condolences go to Bet and all of Bill's friends and family."
