As a long-standing member and chairman for the last 15 years, John has led the council with a combination of a depth of local knowledge and interest and typical even-handedness and good humour.

His contribution as a community councillor has been only one of many capacities in which John has served and continues to serve local communities.

As a retail pharmacist, he pioneered home delivery of prescriptions and a home based oxygen therapy service.

He has had a long association with the Scout movement, starting as a Cub Scout himself at the age of eight, eventually becoming a District Commissioner and being awarded a Silver Acorn for exceptional services to Scouting.

In 1970, John was a founder member of the local Rotary Club and continues his membership to this day.

He serves as a member of the Forgan Trust, to which he was appointed in 1993, which provides assistance to people in the Newport area with health or social care needs.

John is a member of the Franco Scottish Society, having been secretary of the Fife branch for a period of five years, and he is also a member of the Rio Community Centre management committee.

He served as a member of North East Fife District Council for a period of four years from 1989-93.

John's outstanding but unassuming dedication to working for the preservation and betterment of his local community is reflected in the simple inscription on the quaich presented to him by the community council: 'John Dott — For exceptional services to the people of Newport, Wormit and Forgan'.