Skiing legend laid to rest - James Cove
Saturday December 5, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

The funeral has taken place of one of the great characters in British skiing, Frith Finlayson. He helped set up BASI in the 1960's and was a legend from the early days of skiing in Scotland.

Just read the tributes at the bottom to Frith Finlayson and you will hopefully see what we mean.

You may not even have heard of Frith Finlayson, but he was a pioneer in Scotland in the early days.  We are talking late 1950's and early 1960's.

There were no lifts or pistes just people slogging uphill to ski down, make a few turns and then celebrating it with some drinks in a bar, preferably The Winking Owl.

Without the energy, drive and commitment of Frith Finlayson, and his like, it is unlikely that British skiing would have developed in the way it did. He was, quite simply, a giant of a man in those early days with a personality and enthusiasm to match.

He was a founder member of BASI, the British Association of Snowsports Instructors. On Tuesday he was laid to rest; whiskey was drunk.

Further down this article is the obituary to him we wrote last week and a few tributes to him from friends and family; but first a report from Tuesday's funeral.

"On an overcast, but dry, day in Inverness hundreds of people came to pay their respects and to celebrate the life of a quite extraordinary man.  There was standing room only in the Inverness Crematorium as Frith's coffin was carried in to the sound of pipes. Legends from the early days of BASI were there; Hans Kuwall, Clive Freshwater, Bobbie Birnie and Ali Ross to name but a few.

One of the eulogies was given by Arthur Mclean and, though it was in many ways a sombre occasion, it was not sad.  It was a celebration of his life and Mclean talked of how they skied together as youngsters, how they skied on 215cm skis, how they enjoyed an apres ski drink and he paid tribute to Frith's talent as a showman and salesman.  Both qualities needed by any successful instructor.

"Frith was not a religious man but if he does get to heaven then God you had better clear your desk as Frith is moving in," he said, to chuckles of mirth from everyone who knew Frith.  Frith had, what you might call, a strong character.

The veteran skier and life-long friend, Ali Ross, also spoke and he told the mourners how Frith got his Swiss instructors license and how he was a true professional and how he shaped the development of British skiing.

For the family his grandson, Kevin Finlayson, paid an emotional and heartfelt tribute to his grandfather.

As the coffin departed an old tradtional Scottish folk song was played and the congregation spontaneously joined in the chorus. It was a moving moment.

Afterwards people moved on to The Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore for what was one of the biggest reunions of the BASI generations in years.

Frith would have been proud."

For updated tributes to him from people that knew him see the bottom of this article. It includes friends, family and even the widow of the Swiss man who encouraged him to become a ski teacher. Even if you have never heard of him you may owe him a debt of gratitude as he was a true pioneer of British skiing.

Finlayson began his skiing in Glencoe in the 1950's.  It was a pioneering time.  To begin with there were no lifts so the only way to ski was to walk up.

He was born in the tenements of Glasgow and as a boy he'd escape from the city to climb and explore the mountains in the summer and then walk in the winter.  It wasn't long before he began to ski.

He learnt in Switzerland and with his Swiss instructor qualifications began teaching in Glencoe. 

However he quickly saw the future of Scottish skiing lay in Cairngorm and he moved there in 1962 to run the d'Ecosse Ski School.  In November of that year he, and a handful of other instructors, got together to form BAPSI, the British Association of Professional Ski Instructors, which later turned into BASI.

Finlayson ran the first training course in April 1963.

"He was a stickler for discipline so we all had to be punctual and well presented," said Bobbie Birnie who was on that first course. "Frith was a larger than life character; tough, determined and totally single minded."

With the rapid expansion of skiing in Scotland BASI provided the training for the growing number of instructors required.

Finlayson was a legendary figure out on the slopes with his unique style and no-nonsense approach.  Hundreds of instructors went on to teach because of him and all talk of his inspirational approach.

Finlayson was the Director of Training and ran the courses throughout the 1960's and early 1970's.  He stepped down in 1975 but there followed a series of disagreements within the organisation and he was expelled in 1979.

"It was a sad way to go," he said in his autobiography, The Ski Teacher. "I lost the right to participate in, and be part of, something very dear to me. I was in a wilderness."

BASI has said it is saddened by the news of his death.

"Frith was a founder member of BASI and we all owe a great deal of thanks to him for laying such strong foundations to allow BASI to be where it is today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends," says the current chairman and acting Chief Executive, Andrew Lockerbie.

Frith Finlayson died on Tuesday 13th October at 20:30.

His wife, Jeanie, survives him and his grandsons, Kevin aged 31 and Craig aged 34.

James Cove is currently researching/writing the official history of BASI. The book will be published on the organisation's 50^th anniversary in November 2012.

If you were luck enough to ski with Frith and wish to share a memory of him then please feel free to comment.

PlanetSKI reserves the right to edit any comments. In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.

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Frith was one of the good guys. As an impecunious student, I tried on a pair of the first plastic boots by Koflach in his shop in Aviemore back in the early 70s. They fitted a treat but I had to say to Frith "Can you put these aside till I can pay for them?" His reply was - "take them, and pay me when you can." What a way to build customer loyalty! Those were the days - Ali Ross, wee Ian Baxter, Frith, all doing their best to encourage us to work harder.
Peter Anderson, Kirriemuir, Angus


Frith was the biggest personality on Cairngorm when I worked up there during 1974-6. Frith's signature appears twice in my (red booklet) BASI licence, because they also qualified me for completing the 'BASI Plastic Slope Course' (on account of doing a couple of hours on the Dendix at Glenmore Lodge). I think they were basically trying to annoy the organisers of the ASSI course! Frith was one of several people in Aviemore who really had a talent for enterprise - his ski school d'Ecosse was combined with a nice ski shop on the main street.

David Goldsmith, London


Frith was a strong charactor and a main face seen at the bottom of choire cass on courses with his pipe hanging from his mouth as he shouted instructions on basi courses. In 1980 although I worked for Derek Brightman, at Cairdsports, as an 18-yr old even then I was in awe standing at The Winking Owl bar listening to Derek and Frith argue over drams of whiskey about every ski related topic, with the occasional interuption of Hans Kuwall.

All of these ski school directors, working together to keep their dream of making Cairngorm, and BASI what it is today.

Frith's book, The Ski Teacher is a fantastic read, and i look forward to reading more about Frith, when the history of b.a.s.i is written. 32 winters later I'm still teaching skiing, and I believe its down to the inspiration of founders like Frith finlayson.

Pete Baker, edgesnowsports, les gets.
peter baker, plymouth ,devon


I started as an apprentice instructor on Cairngorm in the eighties, and am still working there each winter. I worked with Frith for many years during this period and feel very privileged that I had this opportunity. Many of us would not have achieved what we have without his advice and encouragement, as well as the odd dram! His memory will live on, as future generations of ski instructors will continue to be influenced by the input he gave to BASI/BAPSI and to British ski teaching in Scotland and abroad.
Mike Sheherd, Cairngorm


Thank you to all for your kind words and tributes. The family very much appreciates them, as i'm sure my grampa would have. It's hard for the family just now but all your nice words help immensely. Thank you
Kevin Finlayson ( Frith's grandson), Scotland


As an 18 year old ski instructor working in aviemore for another character Arthur Mclean i watched the warm way in which frith introduced himself at the start of a private lesson and had my first lesson in how to approach private clients.
ewan hill, edinburgh


It was in 1964 that my Uncle Frith asked me to come up to Aviemore from Glasgow to try out skiing. As a young boy of sixteeen and never been out of Glasgow, even the thought of it was kinda scary.

When I arrived he took me to his ski shop and issued me with skis, boot, poles, jacket, pants, toque and gloves and then registered me in my first snow plow class.

I skied in Aviemore for the next three years attending all my classes and to this day shudder at my trips, falls, stumbles and the odd cartwheel on that sheet of ice called 'The White Lady'.

30 years ago my wife Linda and our two sons Frith and Grant emigrated to Alberta, Canada and with the Rocky Mountains at our doorstep it was inevitable that the family would take up skiing. Once again thanks to my Uncle Friths training I was able to pass on the Ski School E'ecosse learning technique.

My Uncle Frith was an original, colourful, funny, highly independant person and for some reason I still think of him being seven foot tall, (only 5'5"). The two of us did get to ski for the day in Aviemore in 1994 and it was one of my most memorable days of skiing. I am now 62 years old and with my wife by my side we still ski as much as we can at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise in the Rocky Mountains.

Both my sons have turned out to be two of the finest skiers and mountain bikers I have seen (boast) and just like their Great Uncle Frith, love to be in the high mountain meadows. I think it is amazing what one man can pass on to others and thankfully he passed that on to us.

Here's to you Uncle Frith, I will love and remember you forever. You will be with all of us when we carve our first turns this season.

Love to Aunt Jeannie, you and family are in our thoughts.

From Gibby Murray (wee Gibby), Son of Carol (Friths' sister) and Gibby Murray (Friths' brother-in-law)
Gibby Murray (nephew), Canada


My husband, Werner Staeger, first taught Frith how to teach in the late 50's early 60's. He got him to the Swiss Ski School leaders course every December. Frith used to come the family hotel, Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen, every December with Jeannie and all went skiing. Frith was persuaded by Werner to take me skiing and we had many happy days helped on by Cafe Kirschs.
Werner always said Frith was an exceptional skier. I am sure he will be sadly missed.
Teresa Staeger, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland


I first met Frith in "The Doss" in Glencoe where he was "The Doss Fuhrer" I remember Frith, Jeannie and Iain in Grindlewald in 1957, it was a great holiday and it was there that I started to ski, but it was really in Glencoe that I learned to ski under Frith's tuition. We had great days when my brother and I walked up from our caravan at Kingshouse every morning of the Easter holidays, skied all day with Iain, and Frith when he was free, then ran down the hill on rubber legs back to Kingshouse, skiis being left in the hut overnight, great days.
In 1969 I went to Aviemore to stay for a month in Ski School d'Ecosse, upstairs when it was still a storeroom and I bunked down on a camp bed. After a few days of teaching tuition I was teaching beginners classes for Ski School d'Ecosse under the eagle eyes of Peter Simpson and Frith. Around 1982 I took my sons to Cairngorm and Frith lent them their first skiis and they were enroled into ski school.
Frith taught my father, he taught my brother and I and he taught my sons. I always though of Frith as one of the real characters in my life, he is a sad loss to the Scottish skiing world.
Jeannie, I hope to see you sometime I am passing through Aviemore, thanks for all the memories.

Peter McGeoch.
Peter McGeoch, Aberdeenshire


It was a very sad day when I heard of Frith's passing.

Frith & Jeanie took me on as an apprentice when I turned 16, staying above the shop for 3.5 years and looked after me. An unforgetable and great start to my working life, something which I will always remember and cherish. So many memories and difficult to know where to start, suffice to say it has been a great privilege and honour to have spent so many happy and interesting times with Frith and his family.
Andy Blair

andy blair, edinburgh


I grew up skiing on Cairngorm and remember Frith as one of the towering figures on the mountain, one of the group that included figures like Bob Clyde, without whom Scottish skiing probably wouldn't have developed in the way it did or perhaps not at all.

Frith fitted my first pair of brand new boots in his shop when I was a teenager, something I still remember well, and inspired me to take my skiing to higher levels and instruct - thanks Frith.

My thoughts are with his family, from my own experience I know that the sadness will diminish but the happy memories will remain.
Roger Anderson, Bristol (& Cairngorm in the season)


FRITH WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN.HE HAD A GREAT DRIVING PIONEER SPIRIT. WE ARE HIS TWO WEE SISTERS, DOREEN AND PATRICIA. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS ALMOST 20YRS DIFFERENCE IN AGE
HE WAS OUR BIG BROTHER, AND NOW HES GONE BUT ALWAYS LOVED AND NEVER FORGOTTON BECAUSE HE WAS THE GREAT PIONEER OF SCOTTISH SKING.
DOREEN AND PATRICIA, GLASGOW


I first met Frith in the 80,s whilst teaching some military groups in the Cairngorms, I could bore you with the details, but suffice to say Frith left a lasting impression on me and the lads, one of whom tried but failed to drink with Frith.
Fond memories of a larger than life character who will be greatly missed.
Wes Western, Plymouth England


Frith was a charismatic personality. Corrie Cas was his domain where he knew every rock, nook and crannie. In follow the leader style Frith reveled in avoiding the rocks (Jack Macleans)and skied the crud as though it was billiard table smooth. He gave me a start working for Ski School d'ecosse in 1968. Frith was a hard task master demanding the most professional and best turned out instructors. A minute late or a stain on your uniform and there would be trouble. The formula worked and Frith's Ski School at that time was full of legends to be. I am still Ski Teaching today remembering what I was taught all those years ago. RIP.

Ed Pirie
Ed Pirie, Aberdeen


I did't get to spend alot of time with my Uncle Frith. However the time I did get to spend was thanks to my Auntie Carol & Uncle Gibby. I will never forget Uncle Frith or my time in Aviemore. With todays technology it is easy to follow Uncle Frith and his accomplishments. It makes me so proud to be his niece. I am saddened though that my son & daughter will never get to experience Aviemore the way I did with Uncle Frith alive and full of life. I do still intend to visit Aviemore again one day with my children. I have enjoyed very much explaining to my children all about my Uncle Frith and all about BASI. Farewell Uncle Frith...
Husband Father Uncle - Legend.....Love your niece Donnajayne x
Donnajayne Rivas(Goodfellow), Lincoln NE USA


I was greatly saddened to hear that Frith had died. I cannot add much to what has already been said about his personality, as a skier what I remember most about him was how he could ski with his feet and legs so tight together you would think they had been stapled! He would ski the crud making a line for his instructors and they would all have to follow the line, and there would be hoots of derision if anyone faltered, or their feet opened, or god forbid if you caught an outside edge and fell.
My friends and I were students in Glasgow, and when we first went to Aviemore in 1962 to ski we booked into Mrs Grant's boarding house at the top end of the village. There we met Peter Simpson who boarded with Mrs Grant and of course that meant that we signed in for lessons with the Ski School d'Ecosse. That was my first introduction to Frith, and after a lot of ski-ing it was one of my proudest moments when he asked me to help out at the school when they were busy. Happy days.
Finally many years later I went with my girl-friend to Aviemore for the week-end, and without the help of too much alcohol proposed and was accepted. The next night Frith and Jeannie summoned Heather and I and many of our friends to Carrbridge Hotel and stood us all champagne and a meal to celebrate our engagement. I think that shows the wonderful generosity of the man, no wonder so many people will grieve for him. Heather and I would like to send our kindest regards to Jeannie.

Alistair Graham, Moffat, Scotland


Well the passing of a giant. His love of life, the mountians, skiing and teaching will live on. Those of us who had the privilege of his friendship; and there were many across the generations, of this unique, independent minded and inspiring man will never forget him.

A friend in loving memory
Matt Ferguson
matthew ferguson, boat of garten


Frith was amazing I remember him fondly as he and my Dad ( Stan Watt) skied and worked together in his ski hire shop. I skied with his grandson Craig and Kevin and will never forget his sharp wit and dry humour. A few years back I took my husband up to Aviemore to teach him how to ski and thought I would take a chance and see if Frith still had his usual seat beside the ski hire, and low and behold he was there! At first as he had not seen me in at least 15 years he did not have a clue who I was but after introducing myself I got the warmest welcome and the banter was still there. He will be sadly missed and I send my best wishes to his Family.
Angie Blackshaw, Glasgow


To say Frith (or Stramash as he was also known) was a character is a gross understatement. I missed the funeral, but I have a heart full of memories of Frith, Jeannie and the rest of the gang from those early days in Aviemore.
He was a larger than life colleague, boss and above all friend. There will never be another like him! They threw away the mould when they made him. Wherever he is now, he'll be giving someone a hard time!!
Liam Chalmers, Dumfries


So sad to read, only today, to late to say farewell properly, of the passing of the big man of Cairngorm. A legend indeed and a generous soul to learn many lessons from. I arrived to instruct in Aviemore with no skis and he could not move fast enough to help me out, even though I was working for another ski schol. How generous can you be ? He called a spade a spade and you knew exactly where you stood with him, no mucking about ! A character never to be forgotten and fondly remembered.
Barbara Chassels, Skelmorlie, Ayrshire.


As a candidate on BASI courses throughout the 'seventies and 'eighties and eventually as a Trainer for BASI I have a lot of memories of Frith. But the strongest memory of all, is that of Frith sweeping into the lecture room at Glenmore Lodge about to give his first talk to a group of very 'green' schoolteachers doing their Ski Party Leader course - my first ski course in 1970. His first words were that he "was not here to teach his grandmother to suck eggs" about teaching teachers on how to teach skiing but what followed was the most impressive and engaging display you could imagine. After a day on the hill, supervising the various classes in the most foul conditions, he stood at the lectern, immaculate from head to toe in pristine collar and tie, blazer and flannels, finished off with the shiniest shoes you have ever seen. From those first words I heard him speak I was in no doubt that here was a great communicator and a man of fantastic enthusiasm. What a guy!

Ian D McMillan, Glasgow


It was with great sadness I heard abiout Frith passing on my return home from a trip down south.
I met Frith on Cairngorm for the 1st time in 2001 when I started work with Cairngorm ski school at that time. He showed an interest in my progress in my 1st season, as a ski instructor and gave me every encouragement. Although in the twilight of his career he still showed an interest in his clients. He was always very well turned out and, for some reason, I particularly remember the cleanliness of his walking boots every day when he arrived on the hill. British skiing owes a lot to this man.
eric foulds, Nethy Bridge


Having just read about the death of Frith Finlayson, I had to write something to express my feelings. I first met Frith in 1991 when my wife, Stella, and I moved to Boat of Garten to run a guest house and live in the mountains. I had several ski lessons with him and afterwards would enjoy his company both on the Hill and in the Day Lodge. Over the next few years I came to realize he was an extraordinary man, and having read his book, it was confirmed in spades! Every mountain man and woman should read it.

It is very difficult for me to find the words to sum up this short tribute, but if I may I will quote a few short sentences from the last page of his book -

"If I had the chance to go round again, I'll play safe and go for a return ticket. Valhalla can wait for me."

Well, from Bev Whiston, I say with a tear in my eye, Valhalla has to wait no more. God speed Frith.
Bev Whiston, England


i never met this great man but i was nco i/c raoc soldiers learning to ski at glenmore lodge,what a fantastic time we had, major mathews was oi/c and our instructor was a arthur mclean, if any one remembers us and was doing the impossible with us then i say thanks a million all you instructors are a great bunch, wish i could do it all again, dave
darkie wright...ex raoc, shropshire


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Frith introduce my Mother, myself and my brother and sister to skiing in Aviemore. He gave me the bug at 6 years old and I become a BASI trainer in the 80's, skied for Britain and set up the 1st British ski school in France. I thank him for his introduction to skiing without which none of the above would have happened. God bless. Ian McKellar
Ian McKellar, Devon and France


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