Curry king Cowie celebrated in style

ACCORDING to BBC Scotland’s political editor, Brian Taylor, among the many qualities that defines his former colleague – sound recordist, Ian Cowie – it is his concern for the story.

Joined last night in Edinburgh curry house, Khushi’s, by around 100 friends and colleagues, Cowie – aka Mr Snax, due to his love of good food – was bringing over 30 years’ service at BBC Scotland to a close.

“Seriously,” began Taylor, “it’s not just about the technical side, he really gets into a story. He’s just the best of colleagues, because he cares. It’s about telling the story and working together. It’s about caring and Ian does that more than anyone else.”

Cowie has accepted a ‘package’ to leave BBC Scotland and is to freelance. A half-hour video made by colleagues, reflecting on his career, included tributes from BBC Scotland’s Jackie Bird and Louise Bachelor, Sunday Herald columnist, Iain Macwhirter, and MSP, Margo MacDonald.

Plus Cowie’s long-time camera colleague and friend, Jim Galbreath.

MC for the evening was BBC Scotland presenter, Dougie Vipond.