Teacher, festival-founder and friend — tributes paid to the late Archie Bevan MBE

Tributes have been paid to “weel-kent” Stromness man Archie Bevan MBE, who passed away yesterday, Monday.

A former principal teacher of English and deputy rector at Stromness Academy, Mr Bevan was one of the founders of the St Magnus Festival, serving as chairman from 1980 to 1990 and later as honorary vice-president.

In a statement, the board said it was saddened by Mr Bevan’s passing.

“Archie was instrumental in the first meeting between Peter Maxwell Davies and George Mackay Brown, which was to provide a source for so much work at the early festivals.

“He was also a steady hand through the growth of the festival in becoming an internationally-known event. Despite failing health, he continued to be a stalwart supporter of festival events. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth, Peter, Graham and Anne and the rest of his family and friends.”

After the death of George Mackay Brown, Mr Bevan, a close friend of the writer and poet, became his literary executor. In 2000, he was awarded an MBE for services to the St Magnus Festival.