Northern Scot photographer Eric Cormack retires after career spanning more than half a century
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AFTER an award-winning career spanning more than half a century, photographer Eric Cormack has hung up his professional camera for the last time.
Mr Cormack (66), from Buckie, retires today, having started his career with the Banffshire Advertiser in 1969, aged just 14.
His first official day on the job, after leaving school, was on Christmas Eve in 1969, aged 15.
Eric stayed at the Advertiser for 10 years, before working offshore for a further 10. In 1989, he returned to the Advertiser, Banffshire Herald and Huntly Express – before moving to work at the Northern Scot in 2002. He retires having worked for the Scot, Advertiser, Herald, Express, Banffshire Journal and Forres Gazette.
Eric has won photographer of the year at the Highlands and Islands media awards on three occasions, and grabbed ‘top shot’ at his last awards night in February.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” Eric said, looking back on his career. “I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by.
"It feels like yesterday I started. We have had a lot of good reporters, I’ve met a lot of great characters and had some great nights out.
"We have always had a good bunch of folk and there is a lot of camaraderie.
"I’ve met a lot of nice people on jobs, too, folk here are very friendly and complimentary.
“You get a good variety of jobs but I like the big stories like royal visits and celebrities coming.
"The football was great, covering Buckie Thistle winning the Highland League and at Huntly during the 90s.”
Retirement will give Eric more time to spend with his wife Alison, children Laura and Scott and grandchildren Alfie and Lucy.
A member at Buckpool Golf Club for more than 50 years, Eric will also use the time to get out on the course – and enjoy a few drams.
"My main plan is just to chill out," he said. "Alison is still working so I'll get stuck into the housework, gardening and golfing. And not in that order!
"I'll help out with the grandkids, too, and have a dram every now and then."
Eric thanked everyone he has worked with, with a specific mention for former editors Pauline Taylor and Mike Collins and his photography mentor Bob Bruce.
Chairman of the Highlands and Islands Media Awards Gordon Fyfe paid tribute to Eric.
He said: "Eric has been a terrific servant to the Scot and associated local newspapers and a great supporter of the Highland and Islands Media Awards, entering a great portfolio year on year.
"Everyone was so pleased when he won the shot of the year last year.
"His success was so richly deserved – his photo was a great capture and made readers chuckle.
"Here’s to a long, healthy and contented retirement, Eric. You so richly deserve it."
Highlands News and Media content editor Chris Saunderson added: "Eric has been a fantastic colleague and terrific photographer.
"He has an eye for a super picture and his images have been enjoyed by thousands of readers over the years.
"He will be a big miss but we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."
