Community / ‘He made a real difference’: tributes paid to Joe Irvine
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Brae High School headteacher and Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) chairman Joe Irvine, who died recently.
Irvine was the headteacher at Brae between August 1988 and December 2003.
Shetland North councillor Andrew Hall said Irvine will be “fondly remembered by all who knew him across the Shetland and North Mainland community”.
“Through his years as a teacher, headmaster, and in his many voluntary roles, he touched countless lives and made a real difference,” Hall said.
“He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the community, I’d like to send our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Irvine was also an SRT trustee from 1990 to 2014, also serving as chairman from 1995.
The SRT said in a post on Facebook that Irvine was an “outstanding servant to the trust, whose leadership and commitment helped shape its direction and strengthen its impact over more than two decades”.
“Respected by all who had the privilege of working with him – from staff to partners and the wider community – Joe will be remembered for his integrity, approachability and unwavering support,” the statement added.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Joe’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
In Irvine’s 25 years at the SRT the trust opened a number of facilities including the Scalloway and Sandwick pools, and the West Mainland leisure centre.
He was also a key organiser of the 2005 NatWest Island Games in Shetland, when he also coordinated the sail boarding competition.
Irvine was also heavily involved in a campaign in the mid-2000s to save Sakchai Makhao – who had gone to Brae school and worked for the SRT at the time – from deportation from the UK.
Makhao said this week that he does not think he will “ever be able to fully put into words” how much Irvine meant to him.
“You weren’t just a headteacher – you were someone who truly cared,” he wrote in words of tribute to Irvine for Shetland News.
“You saw people, you listened, and you helped in ways that went far beyond what anyone could expect.
“I will always be grateful for the support you gave me, especially during one of the most important and difficult times in my life.
“You stood by me and helped me in my campaign to stay in the UK, and that is something I will never, ever forget.”
Makhao added that Irvine made school “more than just a place to learn – it felt safe, welcoming and full of kindness”.
“The whole school experience was the best it could have been because of you being the head of the school – your leadership, your warmth, and the way you treated every single student with respect and care made all the difference,” he continued.
“You created an environment where people could feel valued and supported, and that is something truly special. You were caring, helpful, and an amazing person in every sense.
“The impact you’ve had on me will stay with me forever, and I will carry your kindness with me in everything I do. I will miss you deeply, Mr Irvine. Thank you for everything.”
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