One of the last connections to Dundee’s glorious industrial past died this week.
Jute, along with jam and journalism, helped put the city on the map and local jute producers William Halley and Sons played a considerable part in helping shape that image.
The company’s former chairman Colin Halley died at the age of 87 after a battle with illness.
His son Guy Halley is now keen to share his father’s story and the proud role he played in the rise and fall of the jute industry in Dundee.
Mr Halley revealed that his dad’s tenacity and lust for both business and life were apparent until the day he passed away.
He said: “It’s the end of an era. My father was chair of the company up until it closed its doors,
“He passed away on Monday but up until the end was a fighter.
“He had prostate cancer but was dismissing it as just a problem with his leg until he passed.
“He had the same attitude towards business.
“I was on the board myself for a few years and there were some tough times.
“My father was always trying to adapt and find ways to make it survive, but at the end of the day he just couldn’t make it work and the business shut down.
“I don’t think my dad was saddened by what happened he was a very rational man.
“He realised he was going against the tide. I think he can hold his head high in that respect.”
Aside from his impressive professional career, Guy is keen to stress that, although his father never showered him with hugs and kisses, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family.
He said: “He was the quiet man who always tried to do the right thing.
“My mother was very ill when I was a child and passed away when I was 16. So my father had to work hard to support me and my siblings.
“He had a tough life really but did his best to provide. That is how I would like him to be remembered.”