The SPA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Harry Ritchie on Sunday. Harry loved petanque and was a keen supporter of the SPA. Our thoughts are with Harry’s friends and family at this sad time.

Carnoustie Petanque Club has asked us to publish the following tribute:

It is with great sadness and shock that Carnoustie Petanque announce the sudden death of their chairperson Harry Ritchie. Harry was the driving force in establishing the club and encouraging increasing numbers of people to come along and experience the game at the pistes he established in the grounds of the Aboukir Hotel in Carnoustie. His enthusiasm, commitment and energy will be greatly missed.

We know that the strong foundations he has built into the club will allow us to grow and develop into the future. His last engagement was to present a prize for a local schools competition to design our new club logo – that summed him up, engaging with and looking forward to the next generation.