A developer has vowed to complete a massive revamp of Aberdeen’s historic Rubislaw Quarry – as a lasting memorial to his business partner.
Sandy Whyte lost his brave year-long battle with cancer surrounded by his family.
And last night his friend and colleague High Black said he now wanted to turn the pair’s vision for the famous quarry into a reality.
The “proud” Aberdonians bought the Rubislaw site in 2010 and soon revealed ambitious plans to turn their city’s “best hidden treasure” into a heritage gem.
Last month, the pair were asked to submit another feasibility study to the local authority as they closed in on winning planning permission for their £6million scheme.
But after being diagnosed with oesophagal cancer last year, Mr Whyte’s condition had already started to deteriorate.
The 61-year-old died at home with his “devoted” wife, Sandra, and two sons, Christopher and Thomas, by his side.
Countless people attended his funeral at Aberdeen Crematorium last week to pay their respects to a family man who could “always make you smile” with his “smart wit and repartee”.
Mr Black said he was devastated his closest friend had not lived to see their beloved heritage centre project come to life.
He said the best tribute that could be paid to the “heritage hero” was for Rubislaw Quarry to become everything they had hoped for.
Mr Black said: “Sandy was passionate about Aberdeen and would be the first to stand up for the city where he and his family grew up.
“It is tragic that he will not see the fruits of his labour, but it would be a fitting tribute to him if the project reached fruition and a unique place to celebrate Aberdeen’s granite heritage on the site of Rubislaw Quarry were to be created.”
Mr Whyte was educated at Tullos Primary School and then Robert Gordon’s College, before starting a career in the oil and gas industry.
The well engineer became “well respected” in the drilling sector, working for numerous service companies across the world, including Expro, Geo-Services and Baker Hughes.
He eventually settled again in Aberdeen – where he worked for Chevron and Nexen – so that he could spend more time with his family.
When the untouched Rubislaw Quarry went on sale for the first time in 150 years, Mr Whyte along with his friend Mr Black – the former managing director of a construction company – “jumped at the chance” to own a piece of north-east history.
The 466ft-deep, water-filled hole at Hill of Rubislaw attracted numerous potential buyers from across the globe.
But it was the “local lads done good” – who had no motive other than to take care of the site – who became its new custodians.
Mr Black said at the time: “We just wanted to own it for what it is. If we never do anything with it, we can always come out here and share a whisky on the boat.
Mr Whyte added: “It means as much as it could mean to an Aberdonian. It would be the equivalent of a Dundonian owning the Tay Bridge.”
From then on, the developers dedicated most of their time to getting their project off the ground.
As they lodged their planning application in summer last year, Mr Whyte said it had been a “very long journey” to get to where they were, but that he was hopeful the centre could be opened by 2016.
“In a small way, we have done something a wee bitty special,” he said.
Mr Whyte died on July 29. All donations made at his service will be used to fund research into oesophageal cancer.
Mr Black said: “He had many colleagues and close friends who will remember his warm, friendly manner and his ability to always make you smile with his sharp wit and repartee.
“Everyone who knew Sandy will recall many happy occasions that they will treasure.
“Sandy will be sadly missed by his family and friends.”