A moving tribute has been written about a legendary Speyside publican by an anonymous poet.
The verse “Ode to Joe” has been attached to the entrance of the Fiddichside Inn, near Craigellachie, in memory of owner Joe Brandie, who died in September at the age of 88.
The heartfelt poem has been put up at the riverside pub as a means of telling visitors the premises are now closed.
Tributes to Speyside landlord who manned the bar for nearly 60 years
Mr Brandie became an iconic figure in the area while working assiduously behind the bar for nearly 60 years, after initially training as a ghillie and cooper.
And his warm welcome, which he gave with his wife until she died in 2009, to the “magical” inn earned special praise from the mystery penman.
They wrote: “You are so terribly missed dear Joe, from the fire and its lovely warming flame,
“To your twinkly eyes and pub that was a hame from hame,
“Not just a national, but an international treasure,
“For all who knew you, it was a huge pleasure.”
Tributes to Mr Brandie were sent to Speyside from visitors who had shared a pint or dram at the bar from as far afield as Scandinavia, Germany and Holland.
The landlord continued to run the hostelry single-handedly until the summer, frequently taking a nap or doing chores between the lunchtime trade, as the prelude to opening again for evening customers.
Craigellachie’s Village Council described the publican as a “national treasure” who had been hugely supportive of community life.
The poet described an “un-fillable space” that has been left in the area that will prove to be “impossible” to be replaced.
They concluded the work: “You brought such happiness, stories and fun to us all,
“We share amazing memories that together we recall,
“Craigellachie is just not the same without you here,
“We will never forget you and hold you dear.”
