Ian’s banking work missed in community
Ian Tennant, who died last month, was one of the old style bank managers who were greatly appreciated by customers.
They were the real face of branches up and down the country – individuals who were able to interact with clients dispensing good advice and helping them to keep their financial affairs in order.
Their banking experience was invaluable, especially when they took the trouble to understand the vagaries of their work.
Ian served in several branches of the Bank of Scotland in Glasgow and not long after taking over as manager in Hope St he was transferred to Girvan.
One might say a real cultural shock after city business but the bank had the good sense to send him on a special agricultural course to give him a working knowledge of what he might expect in South Ayrshire.
The crash course allowed him to at least become acquainted with the workings of the many types of farming operations he would encounter.
Talking farm language allowed him to understand the difficulties they faced at various times during the year and it was not long before he became a trusted friend to many.
Indeed his interaction with city people resulted in many of his Glasgow customers transferring their accounts to Girvan and he built up a fine reputation with his rural clients ensuring that he would be there to dispense solid advice when it mattered most.
A good bank manager has to play his part in the community and he certainly did that joining in many local organisations activities and using his financial knowledge to help them improve their accounts.
He was a long- time elder of Girvan North Parish Church acting as rollmaster for several years.
A founder member of Brunston Castle Golf Club, he acted as their Treasurer.
He later joined Turnberry Golf Club where he quickly established himself as a good player and a useful competition partner.
Before retiring he took an active part in the town’s Rotary Club, moving on to The Probus Club of Girvan.
He was President of the club and organised many holidays and tours for the members which were greatly appreciated.
Married in Glasgow in 1957, his lifelong companion Maisie was a rock for close on 60 years. Sadly she passed away in the spring of 2016.
Ian is survived by his daughter Shirley who also worked in the Girvan branch until taking early retirement last year to look after her father, and his son John who lives in Sussex.