Tributes paid to Dougie Leask who brought ‘joy to thousands’ as Santa Claus

Dougie Leask. as Santa Clus. Photo: Lerwick RNLI.

Tributes have been paid to Dougie Leask who “brought joy to thousands” as Santa Claus.

Mr Leask, who died on Saturday,  performed the festive role in the Christmas parade and grotto for many years.

As well as entertaining countless bairns, his efforts helped to raise vital funds for the Lerwick Lifeboat.

Linda Simpson of the Lerwick Lifeboat Fundraising Crew said: “We’re grateful for Dougie’s significant contribution to our fundraising efforts.

“He always looked like he really enjoyed his festive role and he will be sadly missed by us all.”

Living Lerwick paid to tribute to Mr Leask saying he “brought joy to thousands” in his festive role.

“His enthusiasm for the part always made it a pleasure to work with him and we shall miss him dearly,” it added.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Leask was a highly valued trustee at Ability Shetland. 

Ability Shetland team leader Stephanie Bain said her colleagues had been saddened to learn of his death.

 “Dougie had volunteered with Ability Shetland for some years, helping at the Wednesday Social Club initially, ensuring that all members were able to access activities that maybe would be deemed inaccessible by others,” she said.

“Examples of this were him taking his pick-up out to Bannamin Beach so that his fellow club members could access the beach and taking the whole club out on his boat to see the tall ships last summer, from the sea. 

“Dougie always checked in on everyone at the Wednesday Club, taking the time to message them even when their schedules changed and they weren’t able to attend anymore.  

“He really cared about his peers and the Wednesday Club are really going to miss him. “

Ms Bain said Mr Leask was also a “great resource” on the Ability Shetland board, helping to make strategic decisions about the charity and also helping with fundraising too. 

“His best asset for the staff team however was his support on all things nautical, keeping them right when it came to Ability Shetlands’ boat the Wootton Lass, ensuring everything was ship shape,” she added.

“We are going to miss his cheeky personality and caring nature dearly.”

Mr Leask was also a keen dancer and a former president of the Lerwick Old Time Dance Club.

Allison Duncan, of the South Mainland Dance Club, described Mr Leask as a “great friend” and “stalwart” of the dancing scene.

Mr Duncan said he had been “deeply shocked” to learn about Mr Leak’s sudden death.

“I would like to extend mine and my wife’s deepest condolences to his good lady wife and his friends and relations,” he said.

“He will be truly and sorely missed in the dance fraternity throughout Shetland.”