It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Angus Nicolson Bathgate, peacefully on April 15th 2024 at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, aged 85. Angus will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 63 years, Agnes, son Colin, daughter Heather, daughter-in-law Pauleen, grandchildren Scott, Euan, Jack and Sam, brother Nicol, sister-in-law Jean, and brothers-in-law Peter and James.

Angus was born at West Fenton farm cottages in East Lothian to Andrew and Bessie (née Nicolson). He attended Musselburgh Grammar School before studying engineering at the W M Ramsay Technical Institute in Portobello. In 1955, Angus joined Rosyth Naval Dockyard as an apprentice marine engine fitter and turner. In 1960, Angus embarked on a sea-going adventure with Esso Marine in the Merchant Navy, sailing as an engineer on oil tankers to locations around the world.

It was around this time that Angus married his beloved Agnes, 24th June 1961 at Haymarket Registry Office in Edinburgh. Having first met when Agnes was just 12 and Angus 14, they both knew they were destined to spend their lives together. The couple settled down at Forthview Drive in Wallyford, where they would raise their children, Colin and Heather, and where Agnes still lives. 

After leaving the Merchant Navy, Angus became a turner with Precision Machining (Edinburgh) Ltd. A year later, he joined Morfax (Scotland) Ltd as a precision fitter, subsequently transferring to Aviamac Ltd in Prestonpans. In 1975, Angus joined DMI Precision Engineering Ltd as a foreman engineer, making high-precision components for the oil and defence industries up until his retirement in 2009.

Angus was a devoted family man and was much loved and respected in the local community, where his warm, positive and engaging personality made him many friends. He took immense pleasure in his hobbies, particularly gardening, DIY projects, researching local history, and photography, which became his passion in retirement. He was rarely seen without his camera and loved to share what he’d captured with his family, local newspapers, periodicals, and on calendars and social media. Angus attended remembrance ceremonies, galas, and community events which were often enriched by his extensive knowledge of the local history of Wallyford, Musselburgh and the surrounding area.

Angus will be sorely missed. His legacy of dedication, kindness, and good will, lives on in all who were lucky enough to know him.

Angus' funeral service, to which all are welcome, will be held at Mortonhall Crematorium on Friday 3rd May 2024, at 10am. We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation is made to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland: www.chss.org.uk