The Cottar Hoose

11/05/2026

MCLEAN
(Elgin)
After a long illness, at his home on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, Tex (Brian), aged 66 years. Dearly loved dad of the late Jack, much loved brother, uncle, great uncle and friend to many. Funeral ceremony to which all friends are respectfully invited at William Watson Funeral Directors, Blackfriars Road, Elgin, on Friday, May 15th, at 12noon, thereafter cremation private. Family flowers only please, donations if desired at ceremony for Mikeysline and The Oaks.

06/05/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we have lost Tex – one of the most beloved members of the Cottar family, and a true original.

Brian McLean was a loveable rogue with a fierce independent streak and a sharp sense of humour. He went his own way, always – but he was so loyal to the people he cared about.

Tex will be sadly missed by all of us in the Cottar.

24/04/2026

An Elgin legend.

It is with tremendous regret that we have lost our old comrade Conal R.C. Smith.

Conal was a stalwart of the labour movement in Moray. He was a Labour Party activist and active trade unionist for close to sixty years, and a friend to some of our members going back to school days.

Conal previously represented Bishopmill on Moray District Council – having been elected in the 1980s as one of the first ever Labour councillors in Moray. As our candidate in the 1987 and 1992 he spurred the growth of the Labour Party as a force in Moray, which endures to this day.

For many years he was the Chair of Moray Trades Union Council, and as chair helped launch many of the campaigns that are still being fought – including the MUM and Elgin bypass campaigns.

He was one of Elgin's best known teachers, and an inspiration to many of us.

10/04/2026

This past week many old Cottar regulars have expressed their sadness at the passing of Dixie Dean. For many years Dixie was a fixture (the highlight!) of our weekends. When Pat and Dixie walked in the door you always knew it would be a fun night. Dixie’s energy and enthusiasm for life was infectious, and he was a man who made everyone feel better about themselves. The world needs more Dixies. Our thoughts are with Patricia and family at this sad time.

DEAN
(New Elgin)

Suddenly, but peacefully, at home on Friday 3rd April 2026, Allan (Dixie), aged 75 years. Loving husband of Pat, much loved father of Allan, a loving granda, great-granda and a good friend to many.

Funeral private at Dixie’s own request.

01/03/2026

Most Cottar regulars will know that we recently lost the legendary Cottar Character Jocky Smith. Jocky was a rogue, but fiercely loyal to the Cottar Hoose and the Cottar clan. Jocky is due to be interred at the New Cemetery on Linkwood Road this Wednesday, 4th March, at 10:30am. His Cottar family are all welcome to see him off.

02/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from Marion, Alasdair, and the entire Cottar family. This year is a special one for us, as the pub turns FIFTY! 5️⃣0️⃣ We'll be marking the occasion later in the year, but in the run-up we want to gather as many memories as we can.

We would, therefore, LOVE if you could share any old photos you have from the pub. For photos in physical form we will have special envelopes available at the bar for them to be professionally reproduced and returned to you. Any photos in digital form can be uploaded using the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzhui_UCueWDVNLGxmtMsu3skxdA_LDYONNlpc-FTl81lPNA/viewform?usp=dialog

We look forward to celebrating our 50th birthday with Cottar customers, old and new, later in the year! 🎂

(Please share 👇 - there may be old memories out there we don't want to miss!)

23/12/2025

Cottar Staff day/night out at the Thunderton good crack fab night out!!🥳🎉🍹

18/12/2025

🎄 It's A’ Gaun On at Christmas! 🎄

19/11/2025

No scotland no party!!!

02/11/2025

Halloween party with the Damon Sansum in the Cottar what a spooky night was had by all!! 👻