Tributes have been paid to a journalist and photographer who spent five decades charting the highs and lows of following Dumbarton Football Club.
Donald Fullarton passed away peacefully last week at the age of 77, having dedicated 50 years to photographing the Sons in action.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis, son Campbell, daughters Victoria and Claire, and eight grandchildren.
Helensburgh community stalwart Donald was hailed as “a true gentleman” and “great friend of the club” by those who knew him.
Dumbarton Football Club chairman Dr Neil Mackay said: “We are genuinely stunned and deeply saddened to have lost Donald, who was a long-time supporter and great friend of the club.
“He was very much a part of the Dumbarton FC family and it’s difficult to imagine match days without him.
“Not only was he a skilled and talented photographer, but he provided assistance at the club in other ways which were greatly appreciated.
“Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends.”
Donald devoted his life to working in newspapers, editing a range of local titles and serving as secretary of the Scottish Guild of Editors.
He also lectured in journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University and, in 2006, was awarded an MBE for his services to journalism and the Helensburgh community.
After retiring from journalism in 2008, Donald continued to contribute to newspapers - including the Lennox - for whom he compiled the scoreboard for the sports pages covering every level of football, rugby and hockey locally each week.
Away from journalism, Donald was one of the founders of Helensburgh Rugby Club in 1963, a director of the Helensburgh Heritage Trust and former president of Helensburgh Rotary Club.
He was also instrumental in setting up talking newspapers for the blind and partially sighted in the local area and was a Knight of St John.
A passionate sports fan, Donald was a familiar face to all Dumbarton fans - perched behind the goal the Sons were attacking come rain, hail or shine.
As well as capturing iconic and historic moments for the local press and serving as a director of the Sons Supporters’ Trust, Donald took photographs for the club’s website when it was first set up in 2002, and served as their official photographer until stepping down in the summer of 2021.
Friend and fellow Sons fan Robert Ryan worked alongside Donald on the Helensburgh Heritage Trust, and added: “I have known Donald as a friend for many years and I shared his passion for Helensburgh and its history and also Dumbarton FC.
“I can remember seeing him taking photos at games for more than 50 years.
“He was involved in local journalism and newspaper editorship and management for decades, and the Helensburgh Heritage Trust website is a fantastic legacy for him to leave.
“My sincere condolences go to Phyllis and the Fullarton family.”
As well as featuring in local media and on the club website, Donald’s pictures - and support - played a key role in the Sons matchday programme, Sons View.
Editor Graeme Robertson told the Lennox: “Like everyone else at the club, I was sad to hear of the passing of Donald.
“He was always a very willing help in producing the programme both with photographs and professional advice to this enthusiastic amateur about how a programme should be produced.
“Looking at the 50 years Donald was associated with Dumbarton FC, and the fact that we celebrate our 150th anniversary next season, that’s a third of the club’s history. An incredible length of service.
“After his retirement from being the club’s chief photographer, it was strange not seeing him in his usual place behind the opposition goal come rain or shine. He’ll be missed by us all.”
Local MSP Jackie Baillie shared her condolences, adding: “It is incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Donald Fullarton.
“He was a true gentleman who was well known both in Helensburgh and at his beloved Dumbarton FC.
“Donald played a key role within the local press across several decades and was well respected by journalists and politicians.
“Also a keen historian and photographer he played an important part in charting events in the local area which I am sure will form part of an incredible legacy.
“Above all, Donald was a family man who will be most sorely missed by his children and wife who have my sympathies at this sad time.”
