Real lives: All of life was a stage for the talented Mr Dunbar

Published on Tuesday 19 July 2011 11:11

ALAN Dunbar, a prominent athlete, sports reporter and drama enthusiast, has died at the age of 77.

Born in Stranraer on February 26, 1934, Alan Sisson Dunbar was not only a lecturer at Edinburgh University, but also a keen drama enthusiast and active member of the Edinburgh Acting School. His wide-ranging career also included being both a champion athlete and sports presenter for BBC Scotland.

Mr Dunbar first began his career as an athlete in the 1950s. He was a champion runner by his early twenties when he competed in the Scottish 100 yards title in 1955 and 1956 - winning both events.

He gained a Blue at Glasgow University in 1954 and was also a member of the Victoria Park relay team in the same decade, when he won at many Scottish meets. He is remembered fondly at the club.

Mr Dunbar was also a highly regarded sports journalist and broadcaster. In the 19960s, he wrote on athletics for the Evening Citizen in Glasgow and The Scotsman. Later in his career, from 1980 to 1987, he worked as a sports presenter on BBC Scotland.

Moving away from his career as an athlete and sports journalist he began to indulge his passion for drama and teaching. He gained teaching positions at Langside College and then Central College in Glasgow, lecturing in drama. This allowed him to teach during the week, but also continue his pursuit of athletics at the weekends.

He moved to Edinburgh in 1970, where he lectured at Napier College in communication for nine years. After this, he was appointed senior lecturer at Queen Mary College.

In 1989, he was offered a position at Edinburgh University, lecturing on the subject of presentation skills. He was also kept busy with freelance journalism.

It was while living in Edinburgh that he became more fully involved in drama outside of work. He became an active member of the Edinburgh Acting School, going on to become a guest director. His involvement lasted more than 20 years. During that time he directed plays for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, including classics such as "Hogmanay" by Joe Corrie and Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".

Anna Tinline, principal of theschool, remembers him as a patient man: "I can honestly say that not once did I ever hear him raise his voice or speak to anyone in an angry tone - though his patience was tested on many occasions."

She added that he showed great enthusiasm, expertise and intellect as a teacher and director.

Towards the end of his life, Mr Dunbar was struck by illness but his enthusiasm for life never wavered. While developing an enviable career, he had also created a family life. He leaves behind Margaret, his wife of more than 50 years, two daughters and two sons.