[DonnyMac]

I've just heard that Big Davie passed away last night.

For those who didn't know him,

"Few people interested in Scottish history can be unaware of David R Ross, biker, Scottish author and historian. His books "On the Trail of William Wallace", "On the Trail of Robert the Bruce", "On the Trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie", "A Passion for Scotland", and "Desire Lines" are, by and large, famed wherever the Scots diaspora reside. He is also Convenor of the Society of William Wallace, which is based in Elderslie, and has become a familiar sight at all manner of commemorations in Scotland. Canada and the USA have not escaped his notice, and he has made several speaking tours there,"

He also made a huge impression on me, during and after the "Walk for Wallace" the Crann Tara visit to York and various commemorations.
His infectious humour in which he always saw the funny side of things no matter how painful was gift that not many folk have.
His love of Scotland and its history was spellbinding.

Scotland has lost a son but he will be sat with his hero now, I wonder what the Wallace would say to Davies pint of Magners.

Alba Gu Brath big Man

[Battlebus Commander]

Sad, Sudden loss, last time I had a few beers with him (then a few more) was at the Border Gathering in Dumfries in August, and he was in fine fettle after giving a few talks on Wallace.

Condolences to all his family.

Tom

[Govanhill Jacobite]

Cant say too much, crying as I type this, Great big guy, true patriot and proud to class him as my friend RIP big man

[peever1745]

Gutted like you pal. I'll miss the Big Walloper.

[Scotty CTA]

Total shock!

[THE HIGHLANDER]

Big Davie was not just a close family friend but a fellow patriot and nationalist, his loss will not only affect his family and friends but the whole of Scotland

This post has been edited by THE HIGHLANDER: 03 January 2010 - 02:17 PM

[wanday]

serious loss to the whole movement - sad, so sad.

[new hugh]

Very sad news indeed. I really enjoyed his 'Passion for Scotland' books, and have always meant to read his 'On The Trail Of...' series.

[Diggie Don]

Very sad news, a great guy he'll be missed.

[saltire1320]

Just to add my condolences to a true patriot of Scotland. His passing will be mourned by many on here but also across the world where Davie championed the cause of Scottish independence to all who would listen. The man was a giant in many ways and I was honoured to call him a friend and priveleged to be in his company many a time.

Perhaps the saddest of all is this: We are closer now to Scottish independence than we have been in over 300 years and I truly believe we will be an independent country once again in the not too distant future. How sad it is that Big Davie won't be there to see it....truly, truly sad.

Rest in Peace Davie....Gary & Collette

[Tam]

I was shellshocked when I got the call this morning, its unbelievable to think that Davie is now having a dram with all the heroes he spoke to fondly and elequently about.

Davie spoke at the EASTA dinner dance a few times and was fantastic company.
After one such passionate speech back in 2005, the lump was in the throat, tear in the eye, applause ringing round the Invercarse hotel..........the main speaker, Frank McAvennie turned to me and said "how the f*** am I meant to follow that?"

Davie will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

RIP Davie

[macqueen]

A sad, sad day for Scotland.



RIP big man.

[chaff]

I first met Davie when I worked in a bookshop in East Kilbride.
I had already read, "On the trail of William Wallace" and "On the trail of Robert the Bruce".
I was standing at the till when this huge guy walked in and went straight to the Scottish sections, I knew I knew his face but when he came up to the till clutching his own books (we sold them cheaper than his publisher would give him them) I asked him if he was Davie Ross the author, "Aye" he replied as if I was accusing him of stealing, but he had a glint in his eye that I would grow to know, one that hid a fantastic personality and wicked sense of humour.
From then on he would regularly come in to my shop for a chin wag and sign copies of his books.
His passion for Scotland was unsurpassed.
When I bumped into him in Milan outside the San Siro he asked me if I would like to come to London for the final journey of his walk, invites like that are hard to refuse.
The day we all had in London will live with me til my dying day, absolutely amazing. My only regret was not bumping into Longshanks of this board.
A friend of mine came to London with us after some persuasion and there he met his now partner, they now have a beautiful baby boy, if Davie had not done the walk, they would never have met and a life would not have been created.
Another highlight was being asked to the Big man's wedding. What a day that was. I had just recently lost my job and there was Davie standing waiting on his future wife, he turned to the congregation in a freezing cold church and said, "Let's think of poor Craig here, he just lost his job, all the best wee man!" Even when he had other things on his mind he took the time to think of others.
I met him in the supermarket just before Christmas where he had all the staff in the booze aisle all running about mad as he was asking what offer they were promoting as the signs didn't match the prices, he had that glint in his eye...
My thoughts right now are with his daughter Kimberley.

We will miss you Davie, it was a pleasure calling you friend despite the really shyte jokes

Craig and Michelle

[Jon Cutler]

Shocked by this, it's so sad - RIP.

[Sly Si]

A true gentleman and patriot. The St Andews Day Parade will not be the same without the big man but as it grows it will be because of Davies efforts over the years and he will live long in my memory as a man who loved his country dearly.

RIP Davie