David Jarron (13.02.43 – 19.03.10)

A partner with his brother George in Scott Brothers in Dundee up until just a few years ago, David had been fighting a battle against cancer for some time.

David was a great friend to the Federation and he was always available to help others in the industry. He was a great fan of live buying being a regular buyer at Caledonian Mart, Stirling and at Forfar Mart.

David was born and brought up in Dundee, the fourth child in a family of two boys and four girls. He attended Harris Academy and at the age of 15 he left school to join the family butchers business – Scott Brothers in Victoria Road.

Ever since he had been tall enough to reach it he had been in charge of the mincer and he was soon cycling for miles on an old fashioned butcher's bike delivering orders to customers. A couple of years later he swapped his bike for a butcher's van, then at the age of 18 he was put in charge of a newly acquired shop in Strathmartine Road.

His brother George also worked in the business, first in Rosebank Street then in the Hilltown. In 1980 George and David united at 206 Strathmartine Road and over the years they grew the business from a staff of 5 to a staff of 80 today.

David was totally committed to the beef trade and he had a huge respect for the farmers whose skill and hard work formed the bedrock of his own business. As a result he was held in high regard by the farming community and he attended the markets himself latterly at Forfar and Stirling.

David was always very conscious of his responsibility to the public, a stickler for high quality – he insisted that from markets to the customer everything should be done right. The respect in which he was held led to his Presidency of the Dundee and District Master Butchers Association and the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders in 1998/99.

He first met Velma who was to be his wife, at a dance in Friockheim Village Hall. She was on an exchange visit to Angus with the Dumfries-shire Young Farmers. They were eventually married on 18th June 1969 at Lockerbie – a Wednesday because that was the shop's half day! Their daughter Melanie grew up at the family home at Auchterhouse.

David was a keen gardener taking immense pride in his extensive lawn and away from work his passion was for cars and in particular Jaguars. His knowledge of cars was extensive and he helped many people to find suitable ones for themselves and their families. Indeed had he not been a butcher he would have made a great car dealer.

A kind and considerate man David made many close friends over the years who appreciated his friendship and loyalty. Sadly a couple of years ago David was diagnosed with cancer, he fought it bravely and with great determination insisting on going to the market throughout his chemotherapy.

David's death saddened all those who knew and cared for him. Our sympathy is with Velma, Melanie and Dominic, to George and Mary and all his extensive family.