A publican, who became one of Dundee’s most familiar faces having worked in the licensed trade for almost 50 years, has died.
Born above a pub in Rosebank Street in 1923, John Niven went on to become responsible for nine watering holes during an eventful career.
He first appeared behind a bar shortly after leaving school and went on to take the helm at popular venues such as the Bowbridge Bar, the Stag Bar and the Ferry Inn.
Mr Niven passed away last Tuesday, aged 90.
He started working in the Mercat Cross aged just 18 before moving on to Andy Laings and the Railway Men’s Club in the city’s Raglan Street.
Around 1952, Mr Niven was headhunted by Rangers player Willie Cook to become manager of Cookie’s bar and later became the manager of Halleys bar and the Bowbridge Bar.
In 1958, he opened his own pub Niven’s Bar in Caldrum Street.
He was later approached by Tennent’s to run the Powrie Bar in Fintry in 1962 and in 1970 he took over another pub, the Stag Bar in the Hilltown.
His son, also named John, described him as a “workaholic” and a “legend”.
Mr Niven took over the Ferry Inn in Broughty Ferry in 1973 before going into semi-retirement and travelling to Australia with his wife, Cathie.
But he then shocked his family upon his return by opening Niven’s Bar on Arbroath Road and, later, the Jubilee Bar.
He finally poured his last pint in 1990.
Mr Niven had lived with wife Cathie in Camperdown Road for 30 years until she passed away in January this year.
He was also a Dundee fan and made a special effort to see the Dark Blues in action.
Mr Niven is survived by twin sons John and Jimmy, daughter Myra, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr Niven’s funeral will be held today, at 2pm, at Dundee Crematorium.