Another north football legend, this time in the field of journalism, has departed us. Most will recognise the name Bill McAllister, from local journalism, especially his eloquent and flowery descriptions of Highland League football which carried on into the after-dinner circuit and to his column in the Courier.

If you didn't know him, then you may have unknowingly heard him on the radio describing those games for the BBC in their Saturday Highland Leage roundup. He was tightly linked to ICT over the years being a friend to many at the club over the years and also working as media officer under a couple of different chairmen. According to the courier, he took ill recently and passed away today. 

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/highland-media-giant-bill-mcallister-dies-311327/

I have a few good memories with Bill, but I think one of the best comes from the Caledonian Stadium on a day where a few of the internet supporters were guests of then chairman David Sutherland. Bill was there too, and as 4:45pm approached he phoned local reporters on the ground at various HL parks and wrote his report for the BBC right there in hospitality. He ad-libbed his flowery descriptions while on the phone to the BBC and then came back to the table. Pretty impressive how he put it together in just a few minutes. A master craftsman at work. 

Condolences to Bet and the family.   

RIP Bill.

Some of his reports were of the legendary variety. An extremely quick witted and humorous man and a great after dinner speaker.

A real gentleman.  Listened eagerly for his roundups on Radio Scotland as it was the only way you could find out how Caley had got on (pre-internet). He always had a witty summary for each game despite going on air about half an hour after the full time whistle. Had a few good chats over the phone when I was after back issues of ‘Highland Football & Sport’ which he inevitably sent FOC.

 

 

 

Edited April 23, 20233 yr by TheMantis

It was a privilege to have seen him in action for the last time at Aaron Doran's testimonial dinner.

He was never afraid to crack a joke about anyone or anything, even when they were in the room.  His quips about the club finances and the concerts had a lot of people biting their lips to stop then from laughing, and the current CEO and Chairman were clearly unimpressed and didn't share in the humour, leaving shortly after!

Thank you Bill, and goodnight.

Bill's reports were often more entertaining than the games he reported on.  We'll not see his like again.

Jhesus - I would have placed Bill in the same category as Tomack - sad times in Inverness 🤔

Sorry to hear of his passing. Had the pleasure of listening to one of his after dinner speeches at an ICT function. So funny. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

Very sad news, a gentleman indeed, who had a real way with words

Apart from being a press legend Bill was also manager, many moons ago, of Ness Rangers in Inverness Juvenile league. RIP Bill

Funeral service is at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Tuesday 9th May 2023 at 12noon

https://www.chisholmfunerals.co.uk/funeral-details?tribute=billmcallister

Live Link: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/245cf841-f48b-2484-7c05-495562b40e36/ecbb97a4-a8d1-6146-b7bf-0965b959b7ce