Tributes to Jim Fisher former manager of Edinburgh's FetLor youth club who has died, aged 86

He created a safe space in era of gang warfare

Jim Fisher was manager of FetLor for 22 years until he retired

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-respected youth club manager who helped thousands of young people in his 22 years in the role.

Jim Fisher, who ran FetLor youth club in Crewe Road South from 1977 to 1999, has died aged 86. He had been fighting recurring lung infections and was in hospital several times recently.

Today he was hailed as a man of vision who had made the club a safe place for young people from the surrounding areas at a time of gang culture.

Originally from Wishaw, Jim served in the forces and worked for British Steel before gaining a degree in community education at Jordanhill College. He and his wife Mary moved to Edinburgh and he became manager at Fet Lor, staying in the job until he retired at 65.

George Reavley, who went to the club as a youngster and went on to become a youth worker there, said: “He had a positive influence on thousands of children, young people and adults. He had a vision for Fet Lor and at one point, the club was open seven days a week.

“Jim developed FetLor into an important safe place for young people to go and enjoy themselves. This was particularly evident in the early 80s when there were many episodes of local gang warfare in North Edinburgh. If you were from Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton, Telford, Drylaw or any area in Edinburgh, Fet Lor became known as a safe haven for teenagers to go. It was a ‘neutral’ place where individuals could meet and they would have to respect each other in a safe and sometimes competitive environment. If you didn’t heed the rules then your days would be numbered.”

Jim, who was also a British table tennis coach, pioneered video-making as part of the club activities, organised trips to France, Canada and Denmark and trained a prize-winning air rifle team.

FetLor Youth Club chairman Andrew Barrie said: “We feel huge sadness over the death of Jim Fisher.

“As a team, Jim and Mary were totally committed to the charity. Jim was a straight talker – whether you were a youngster, member of staff or trustee you would be clear on what Jim wanted to happen. First and foremost, he was passionate about the interests and wellbeing of our young people. His integrity, passion and care will live on in those he dedicated himself to help.”

Although numbers at Jim’s funeral on Monday morning will be limited, former members and other people from the community are expected to give him a send-off as the cortege leaves from Fet Lor, just across the street from Jim and Mary’s house.