When I was in my early teens, I had the quiet honour of meeting Tam Findlay.
He had a part time job after school as a farm labourer at Taiglim Farm at Glaisnock Road or the back Road to New Cumnock as it is better known.
Our paths would cross as I was heading home and he was walking to work. He would sometimes by chance accompany me on that walk striding ahead with such a strong, steady pace that I had to work hard just to keep up. He didn’t need to say much and I am sure he was just focused on getting to his destination.
There was a gentleness in him, a kindness that asked for nothing but gave so much.
Tam was a gentle giant—not just in height and strength, but in the quiet dignity with which he moved through the world. Though our time walking together was brief, it left a lasting mark. Even now, all these years later, I still walk fast—so fast I often have to slow down for others. And every time I do, I think of Tam.
He probably never knew the impression he made, but I carry it with me still. A simple act of kindness, a steady presence, a pace that shaped my own.
With treasured memories,
Janice Hendry
Janice Hendry
17/06/2025
