TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved member of the Dunoon community who died following a tragic accident while on holiday in Ireland.
Elspeth Campbell, Front of House Co-ordinator at Dunoon Burgh Hall, died after an accident near the Great Pollet Sea Arch on the Fanad peninsula in Co Donegal.
It is understood that Ms Campbell had been walking in the area with a relative when she fell into the sea.
Emergency services were alerted and a major search and rescue operation was launched at around 5pm, coordinated by the Marine Rescue Sub-Centre at Malin.
The operation involved Mulroy Coastguard, Lough Swilly RNLI lifeboat and the Rescue 118 helicopter, with difficult conditions reported during the search.
Her body was recovered by Irish Coast Guard personnel shortly before 8pm and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital.
A Department of Transport spokesperson confirmed that the search had concluded following the recovery of a body and extended the Coast Guard’s sympathies to the family.
News of Ms Campbell’s death has prompted heartfelt tributes in Dunoon, where she was well known through her work at Dunoon Burgh Hall and her involvement in a number of community projects.
In a tribute, the Burgh Hall described its colleague and friend as a warm, friendly and deeply community-minded person who believed strongly in looking out for others.
Ms Campbell was an important part of the team as Front of House Co-ordinator, helping events run smoothly and becoming a familiar and welcoming face to those visiting the venue.
In a statement, Dunoon Burgh Hall explained: “Elspeth was one of those people who left a lasting impression. She was warm, friendly and incredibly community-focused, with a genuine belief that people should look out for one another and that nobody should be left behind.”
During the Covid pandemic, Ms Campbell played a significant role in establishing and delivering the Burgh Hall’s Community Kitchen.
The initiative provided meals and companionship to vulnerable and isolated members of the community, with the Hall describing it as a lifeline for some of those who used it.
She was also involved with the Hall’s Creative Blethers project and local drama group Youth Stuff and was known for her determination and willingness to stand up for others.
In a statement posted online, the Dunoon Burgh Hall extended its sympathies to Ms Campbell’s family and friends, including her daughter Rhona, who is also a member of the Dunoon Burgh Hall team.
The Hall’s statement read: “She didn’t simply talk about community – she rolled up her sleeves and got involved. We will remember Elspeth with great affection, for her warmth, her determination, her strong sense of what was right, her willingness to stand up for others, and above all, for the enormous contribution she made to our community.”
A book of condolence is available at Dunoon Burgh Hall, where members of the community can share their memories of Ms Campbell.
The new Chair of Dunoon Burgh Hall, Greg Girard, expressed his sentiments. He said: “The sudden loss of Elspeth has affected everyone connected with the Hall and so many people across our wider community.
“Elspeth was always incredibly warm and lovely with me and my family. My son Luca met her on several occasions, and she was always so kind to him and my wife. She was simply one of those people you were always pleased to see and have a chat with.
“My mum knew Elspeth particularly well from her own time as a board member at the Hall and through doing the flowers there, something she still does today. They had a lovely relationship, and I know this loss has affected her deeply.
“Mum will be arranging a flower display at the Hall in memory of Elspeth, alongside the Book of Condolence, giving people a place to come together, remember her and share their own memories.”
He added: “I also knew how much Dunoon Burgh Hall meant to her, but more importantly, how much the people within our community meant to her. She believed in community, in looking out for people and in getting involved rather than standing on the sidelines. I think there is something in that for all of us.”
