The Invergordon Archive
No: 1878 Contributor: John McHardy Year: 1993
Canon McHardy
I recently found this caricature depicting my uncle, the late Canon Iain McHardy, who was Priest in Charge of St Ninian’s Episcopal Church from 1952 – 1974 and a former Provost of the Burgh of Invergordon.
The Canon, who was made a Freeman of Invergordon, was also a keen Radio Ham – hence the image which was produced to celebrate a certain event; perhaps you can work out what the event was from the hidden message? Grateful thanks to the artist, the very talented Ian Leitch.
(The message in Morse code is 'Happy Birthday 80')
Picture added on 31 October 2023 at 10:55
I am one of the Canon’s nephews. The caricature was on the front of a card to celebrate his 80th birthday which was 31st October 1993. The Canon passed away in the County Hospital in January 1999 and is buried in Rosskeen Cemetery in a plot he had chosen. Hopefully the image brings a smile to those who remember him.
Added by John McHardy on 31 October 2023
Glad that I found it to share Harry, and pleased that you were able to find the “hidden” morse message. I think the Canon was the Provost between 1968 and 69 but not 100% sure of the date.
Added by John McHardy on 31 October 2023
OK thanks again John, I left Inver-G in 1959 so it was after my time
Added by Harry O'Neill on 01 November 2023
remember going to the church near the swimming pool with Ted Abbrow he used to clean it
Added by Gordon Will on 04 November 2023
Somehow or other my dad managed to persuade Ian to pass on an old valve radio (AR88D for those with a radio interest) and I ended up spending far too many hours listening to stations, amateur and commercial, across the globe. Best was horse racing from Australia!
That was part of my journey into electronics and radio as a career in ground based aviation systems.
Ian always had time to chat and his knowledge was wide ranging and pretty expert when it came to all things radio. One of the sadly missed.
That was part of my journey into electronics and radio as a career in ground based aviation systems.
Ian always had time to chat and his knowledge was wide ranging and pretty expert when it came to all things radio. One of the sadly missed.
Added by Jim Thomson on 29 March 2024
Our old family home Bella Vista on Saltburn Road was the former manse for St Ninians until the church was left a house second from the end of Saltburn Road.. when we moved in there was a tall cupboard in the hall with a black brimmed hat on the top. I got sent along to the new manse to hand it over to Mr am hardy
Added by Liz Taylor nee Adkew on 23 October 2024
People
When was your uncle the Provost?