John Mathers, much better referred to as the “wee mouse guy”, in homage to his well-known performances of To a Mouse, total with a real-life mouse in hand, was a routine factor to Burns night events throughout Scotland and beyond.
One of his routine haunts was Tantallon Golf Club in North Berwick, where his performances of the works of Robert Burns together with his real-life mouse were famous.
John died in harmony on May 26 in 2015 after a accident on North Berwick High Street, with his existence being a fantastic loss to the Burns club customs he played a crucial part in.
Born in 1936 in Netherley, Kincardineshire, John’s early life led him to Balerno as an apprentice joiner aged 15. Arriving in Midlothian he quickly fulfilled Jean Shand, whom he later on wed.
Together they had 4 kids: Yvonne, Brenda, John, and Sandra.
His family invested much time in Currie and Balerno, where after his early profession in building and construction, John established his own business, the Pentland Building Company, in 1963.
In 1973 he went into the certified trade, running numerous pubs and dining establishments around the location, along with a variety of stores on Balerno High Street.
His child Yvonne said: “As much as anything, dad’s entrepreneurship stemmed from a desire to employ local people and – if possible – help them make something of their lives.”
Throughout his life, John was a devoted fan of politics, using up the function as organiser for the North Berwick Coastal branch of the SNP where he dedicated much of his time.
Surrounded by friends and family, John was put to rest beside his partner, Jean, who died in 2009 soon after she and John had actually relocated to North Berwick.
During his funeral service, his child Brenda, who likewise resides in North Berwick, discussed those years: “Dad quickly integrated into North Berwick life, adapting and changing after his many many happy years in Balerno, but still following his great passions in life: family, politics, Robbie Burns and golf, the peak of his golfing career being his hole-in-one on the famous 13th hole at The Glen.”
His love for Burns was clear to all who listened, never ever more so than his famous reading of To A Mouse, throughout which he would produce a living, breathing timorous beastie which would scoot up and down his arms.
Yvonne remembered: “Only once that I know off in the 50 years did the mouse bite dad mid-performance. But like a true professional, it carried on to the end, blood dripping from his sair finger!”
Brenda Symon, child of John, thanked Tantallon Golf Club for remembering her dad and worried just how much he was “sorely missed out on”.
She said: “This year, our ‘wee mouse guy’ as John ended up being fondly referred to as, was sorely missed on the Burns circuit in North Berwick, Balerno and Perth, Western Australia for more than 50 years!
“Tantallon Golf Club in North Berwick commemorated John and in remembrance for all the pleasurable nights he had actually added to for many years!”
“Covid had actually highlighted to all of us experiences of seclusion and solitude, and what much better a time than a dark dreich night in January to host a celebration.
Aidan Strange, among John’s good pals, said: “He was anything however a ‘wee’ guy neither was he Sleekit, Cowrin or Tim’rous!
“He was a bigger than life character caring to his family, generous with his relationship, company in his convictions and brave in his business and political advocacy.”
A representative for Tantallon Golf Club said: “Another dynamic Tantallon night; after a three-year space the Burns Supper went back to the clubroom.
“Indeed! It was the 25th edition of the occasion.
“Laughter sounded out, as did tune and verse; a leading table of skill offered a variety of Burns verse and idea.
“It was terrific to be back and we will fulfill to do all of it once again on Friday 26 January 2024 – one for your journal.
Rob Campbell offering the address to the haggis at Tantallon Burns Super
Acknowledgements were made to the “terrific” performers over a variety of years who extremely passed away given that the club’s last event in 2020.
The representative included: “John Mathers was a Burns professional who amused our club for several years with his terrific performances.”
John’s family are likewise raising funds for the East Lothian Foodbank. Donations can be made by going to eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money
