'Humbling' donation sign of better times for shopkeeper

A BUSINESSMAN who lost thousands of pounds through the collapse of the company behind last summer's Gathering celebrations says he has been "humbled" by a £100 donation from a member of the public.

Signmaker Neil McRobb, managing director of McRobb Display, had never before met the man who came into his Montgomery Street shop to hand over the cash.

He said: "He just felt sorry for us and said he wanted to help.

"He said it wasn't fair that businesses were suffering and then got his chequebook out. It was a humbling experience."

Mr McRobb lost 14,000 through the collapse of The Gathering 2009 Ltd – the company behind the world famous event which was organised as part of the Year of Homecoming and attracted about 47,000 people to the city from at least 40 countries.

His losses emerged last week when The Gathering 2009 Ltd went into administration, owing about 300,000 to 50 businesses across the city that were involved in the event.

Mr McRobb spent months on the project, making signs for each of the clan tents as well as information displays, bus stop posters and banners used in the giant clan parade down the Royal Mile.

On hearing of his losses, the man – who is understood to be in his 50s – visited the shop to wish Mr McRobb and his staff well.

He said: "At first I was a bit wary, wondering whether he had another motive, but he insisted he just wanted to help.

"I cannot cash the cheque though – it just doesn't feel right to take someone else's money like that."

Mr McRobb's family has run the signmaking business since 1971, proving a popular and respected firm in the Leith and wider Edinburgh community.

He said he was keen to get involved with The Gathering and, despite the financial troubles that have since followed, believed it was a "great" event for the city, bringing in an estimated 10 million to the Scottish economy.

He said: "We were praised for the work we did but I feel aggrieved at what has happened.

"At the start, we were getting paid for our work but when the big cheque was due we did not hear anything.

"We couldn't get a response from the company on the phone and when we went to its offices, nobody would answer the door."

Mr McRobb said it was too early to determine the impact the losses will have on his business but stressed he would definitely remain trading and thanked the public for its support.

He said: "I won't be banking the cheque we received but it was a very touching gesture and shows there is public sympathy for the local companies that have been left to burden the debt while the government revel in the success of The Gathering and the Year of Homecoming in general."