ALMOST £1,000 has been raised in memory of a well-known West Linton policeman. 

Donald MacKenzie passed away in October last year, aged just 51, following a long battle with cancer.

He was treated at the Western General Hospital during his three bouts of the illness, and as a thank you to all the hospital staff who helped him, 10 of his close friends decided to raise money for the ward.

On Sunday, November 14, they took a table at the Linton Hotspur Smoker where they raised £450 auctioning off a four ball round of golf, generously donated by Scott Mackay, Secretary of West Linton Golf Club. Those at the table matched this sum with their own donations.

The combined cheques for £900 were presented by Ian Reid (left) and Simon Kinghorn (pictured right), to staff in ward eight at the Edinburgh hospital where Donald spent the last days of his life.

Close friend Simon, said: "Donald was a very good friend to many people due to his easygoing nature and engaging personality. He was a strong character and showed great strength during his battles with cancer. Having bravely fought it twice before, he unfortunately lost his battle when it returned in July 2015.

"I got to know Donald after moving to West Linton in 2003 and we became great friends. He had been the local bobby for a number of years building up a wonderful rapport with the public of West Linton and surrounding parishes, and was held in high esteem by those he encountered."

Donald was a keen cyclist having taken to this after his body could no longer stand the rigours of the rugby pitch, which he had graced to a high standard for a number of years.

"Donald also liked to play five-a-side football with his West Linton friends and colleagues, although not all appreciated his enthusiastic style approach to this game and would often volunteer to be in the same side as Donald or take a prolonged period in goals if in opposition!" Simon joked. "As with life, Donald’s approach to fives was very much whole hearted and full on."

"He will always be fondly remembered by all who knew him particularly his beloved boys Donald and Laughlan, his loving parents Don and Dorothy, his younger bother Graeme and wee sister Sarah."