​​​​​​​Tribute paid to Council Lighting Engineer

The Highland Council has paid tribute to John Beaton, Lighting Engineer who recently passed away at home in Inverness.

John leaves behind him a legacy that has transformed the appearance of major iconic landmarks in the region as he was Engineer on the team responsible for installation of lighting on Inverness Castle, Ness Bridge in Inverness, Ruthven Barracks and Urquhart Castle.

Starting his employment with Inverness Burgh Council in October 1968, John was highly dedicated to his work and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to local government as he worked for Highland Regional Council and then The Highland Council.

Highland Council’s Lighting and Communications Manager, John Allan said:

“Throughout his service to the Council and Highland communities some of the schemes that John worked on won national awards and he was highly respected within the lighting industry with many tributes and condolences coming in following the sad news of his passing.

“John was also known for his passion for Christmas lighting co-ordinating installations across Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey.

“Most recently John was Lighting Engineer for the Council’s LED street lighting replacement programme after extending his phased retirement, although because of his dedication he never really seemed to understand the concept of only working three days a week!

“John will be sorely missed by his colleagues in Inverness and across the region.

“We extend our greatest sympathies to John’s family and many friends in the Inverness footballing community who knew him well for this voluntary service to football coaching.”

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