A FORMER teacher of music at Beath High School, and popular organist at St Finnians Church, Lochgelly, for many years, Tom McMillan, has died suddenly.

Tom is a Lochgelly man, although he has spent the latter part of his life living in Dunfermline.

Educated at Lochgelly West and South primaries, and Beath High School, before attending the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama he went, via Moray House teacher training college to become a music teacher at Beath High before taking up a post at Templehall Junior Secondary, in Kirkcaldy, where he then became Principal Teacher of Music.

He later took up a similar post at Boness Academy before becoming a music advisor for West Lothian Council and subsequently became a senior advisor in Lothian and latterly Assistant Director of Education until his retirement in 2002.

During the earlier part of his life he was the organist at St Finnian's Church for a number of years before moving to St Margaret's Church, in Dunfermline, where he held the post for 30 years.

In 1976 Tom became part of the singing group, The Quatrain, and they were a highly successful combination who entertained in popular venues, including Lochgelly Centre, many times.

When younger Tom, who was 75, enjoyed playing football and played for Steelend Vics, Kirkcaldy YM and Lochgelly Albert and he also liked rugby and played for Kirkcaldy RFC.

Tom is survived by wife Eleanor and son Grant, daughter Caroline and grandchildren Archie, Hattie and Joe.

His funeral takes place on Thursday January 3 at St Margaret's Church, Touch, in Dunfermline, and then the town's Crematorium.