Brechin Advertiser editor Andrew Ducat retires after 37 years in journalism
The editor of the Brechin Advertiser, Andrew Ducat, retired from the paper on Friday after 10 years as editor.
It brought an end to his 37-year career in journalism which began as a junior reporter on the Forfar Dispatch.
He worked his way up to become editor of the paper - later taking up editorship of the Kirriemuir Herald and finally the Brechin Advertiser.
A lengthy piece featured in last week’s paper on Ducat’s retirement, in which he told readers how “over almost four decades I have been part of an industry that’s moved from the typewriter to the computer, from black and white editions to full colour”.
He added: “Reflecting over 37 roller-coaster years in a career that threw up something different practically every day, I will leave with countless happy memories, and a sense of achievement in a number of areas.”
Ducat said: “There’s little doubt the Brechiner suffered a major blow in May of last year, with the untimely death of [reporter] Steve Mitchell.
“I was stunned by that early Sunday morning news, for Steve was not only a trusted colleague, but a very close friend.
“I often think of Steve while bashing out sports copy on a Sunday morning, remembering the days when I used to sub his latest tale on the fortunes of his beloved Brechin City.
“I will continue to remember him, but it will be over a bacon roll and a coffee as I glean through the Sunday papers - without having to think of popping down to the office to catch up with work.”