OBITUARY: Dr James Mowat FRCOG, FRCS Edin, FRCPS Glas
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Caring, conscientious and dedicated doctor, totally devoted to his patients, who loved to go sailing on the west coast and beyond
Born on April 4, 1937, in the fishing village of Keiss, Jim Mowat never lost his great love for his homeland. He died on April 27, 2020, aged 83, from complications of Parkinson's disease.
He was the elder son of James Mowat senior and Ida Baikie, who was born in "the last house" in John O’Groats. Young Jim, known as "Peedie Jim" to differentiate him from his cousin "Big Jim", went to Keiss school and Wick High. With the encouragement of their GP, Dr James Leask, who was a big influence in Jim’s life, he decided to study medicine.
He left school after fifth year, to study in Edinburgh. Student life for Jim was hard as his family were of limited means. He recounted that for the first two years all he had to wear was his kilt, and if going home to Keiss he often had to hitch a lift.
After graduating in 1961 he specialised in obstetrics, during which time (across an operating table, both wearing masks) he met his wife Colleen, a staff nurse. They married in 1965 and moved to Glasgow, where Jim became registrar, and later senior registrar, at Rottenrow maternity hospital. In 1971 Jim was appointed consultant obstetrician at Rottenrow and consultant gynaecologist at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow. In 1979 his obstetric commitment transferred to the new Rutherglen maternity hospital. He retired in 1997.
Jim was a caring, conscientious and dedicated doctor, totally devoted to his patients, all of whom adored him. He was universally popular, great company, always fun to be with, and a wonderful colleague.
He revelled in exploring remote inlets and anchoring in deserted coves, sharing a glass or two of good malt whisky with his sailing buddies.
Jim loved his work, and felt fortunate that his career had spanned the very best of times, but at 60 he was happy to close that door. Retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue his many interests, one of which was learning to speak Gaelic, which he did with infectious enthusiasm, but undoubtedly his most satisfying hobby was sailing on the west coast of Scotland.
Jim had joined the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) while in his twenties and there he learned to sail, and made friendships with colleagues who had sailing boats, further developing his interest in the pastime. At the Clyde-based RNR establishment HMS Dalriada he progressed through the ranks and retired as principal medical officer with the rank of surgeon commander. With his appetite whetted for small boat sailing he joined forces with a GP colleague and together they sailed Sylph, Off Call and Stravaiger before starting on boat ownership on his own. The craft were based in Troon initially, before moving further north to Inverkip, and latterly Craobh.
In his own boats, firstly Echo, which had been the name of his father’s boat, then Encore, his dream was fulfilled, exploring the inner and outer Hebrides, a sailor’s delight, occasionally venturing with his two regular shipmates and other colleagues to destinations as far afield as St Kilda, France, the Faroes and Norway. He revelled in exploring remote inlets and anchoring in deserted coves, sharing a glass or two of good malt whisky with his two long-term sailing buddies. Jim was in his element, living life to the full.
The day he died, he was taken by hearse from Glasgow, by the road north he knew so well, to the village home he loved. He was buried at a graveside service in Keiss cemetery, as was his wish, within sight and sound of the sea, next to his brother Jackie, who had died seven weeks earlier. It was a bright and breezy morning… Jim would’ve said “a fair wind”.
He is survived by his much loved wife Colleen, his adored children, James and Elaine, his cherished grandchildren Finn and Rosa, and his loving Mowat cousins.
Chris Garrigan
George Gray
Alan Macdonald
