Robert Donaldson (1944–2026)
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Robert Donaldson was a steady, decent, gloriously ordinary man — and his family thought the world of him.
A chartered surveyor by trade, he spent forty-two years walking the high streets and back lanes of the Borders measuring up, drawing plans, and chatting to anyone who'd listen. He was the kind of professional who'd be invited in for tea on every other call.
Outside work he was happiest on a hillside with a flask, a sandwich, and a view. He climbed every Munro twice — the second time, he said, was just to make sure they were still there. He passed his love of the hills to his three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom can identify Suilven from any direction.
Robert took his illness with the same quiet humour he took everything else, and asked only that we keep walking. We will, Dad. We will.