The community of Perth and Kinross is deeply saddened by the passing of John Culliven, a revered figure whose life was marked by extraordinary public service and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. Mr. Culliven, who died peacefully at the age of 88, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a former Provost and long-serving council member, cherished for his approachable nature and genuine connection with everyone he met.
His son, Craig, affectionately shared, ‘Dad absolutely loved meeting people and always made time for a chat, no matter who they were.’ This sentiment was echoed by John Boyd, secretary of the Auchterarder and District Men’s Shed, who noted the profound positive impact the organisation had on Mr. Culliven following the loss of his beloved wife, Sheila, in 2023. Mr. Boyd highlighted that the Men’s Shed became a source of immense joy and friendship for John, providing him with vital companionship during a difficult time. A Journey from Glasgow to the Highlands
Born in Glasgow, John’s early years were shaped by profound personal loss, losing his mother, Flora Alexander, at just eight years old. This led to him and his sister Mary being placed in orphanages, experiences he remembered with a sense of the kindness received despite the strict environment. A pivotal moment in his youth was his relocation to Roybridge in the Scottish Highlands, a period he later described as the true beginning of his life. Surrounded by other children in similar circumstances, he found solace and belonging within a supportive community, an experience that likely laid the groundwork for his future dedication to public welfare.
His journey then took him to Inverness, a time he fondly recalled as “the highlight of my life”. Here, he embarked on an apprenticeship as a plumber, a trade he mastered with diligence. More significantly, it was in Inverness that he encountered Sheila Mackenzie, then the 18-year-old Miss Inverness. Their marriage in 1958 marked the start of a deep and enduring partnership that spanned 65 years until Sheila’s passing in 2023. Military Honour and Family Life
Early in their marriage, John served as a Royal Marine reservist, distinguishing himself by earning the Commando Medal as the top recruit. His service included a deployment with 40 Commando in Malta, an island he and Sheila would later revisit numerous times. Upon returning to civilian life, John and Sheila made their home in Drumnadrochit, where he resumed his plumbing career. Their family soon began to grow, with their first son, Graham, born in 1962. Subsequent moves saw them welcome Craig in 1966, Scott in 1967, and later, after a relocation to West Lothian for John’s work with Scottish Gas, Gavin in 1972.
At Scottish Gas, John rose to the position of senior officer, playing a crucial role in the nationwide conversion to natural gas. Outside his professional life, he was a vibrant member of various theatrical groups, including the Livingston Amateur Dramatic Society and the New Town Entertainers, and even hosted popular Saturday morning puppet shows for local children, showcasing his versatile talents and community spirit. Retirement and Respected Political Service
John retired from Scottish Gas at the age of 50, often humorously remarking on how long the company had been paying his pension. This opened a new chapter for him and Sheila, who moved to Calvine in Perthshire. There, Sheila fulfilled her passions by running a bed and breakfast, a knitwear business, and the local post office, while they also enjoyed keeping horses.
His inclination towards public service led him to politics. He was first elected to Tayside Regional Council as an SNP member for Atholl and Breadalbane, serving five years. Following local government reorganisation, he was re-elected to the new Perth and Kinross Council. His 12 years as convener were instrumental in guiding the nascent authority through its formative period. He proudly served as the Provost of Perth and Kinross from 1996 to 1999, a role that saw him interact with countless individuals, from dedicated local volunteers to members of the royal family. A Legacy Honoured in Perth
His distinctive car number plate, “A18 SNP,” became a recognisable symbol of his civic presence. Beyond his official duties, John and Sheila’s family grew with the arrival of their grandchildren, Shannon, Liam, Owen, Ross, Rhona, Blair, and Florence. A testament to their lasting impact on the community, Culliven Court in Perth was named in their honour.
At the age of 70, John stepped down from political life, prioritising more time with his family after two decades of dedicated service. In 2016, the Cullivens relocated to Auchterarder, quickly embracing the town’s sociable atmosphere and local charm. The loss of Sheila in 2023, after a long and loving marriage, was a profound blow. Yet, John found immense comfort in the unwavering support of his friends, neighbours, and particularly the camaraderie offered by the Auchterarder and District Men’s Shed, which became a vital part of his later life.
John Culliven is survived by his sons Graham, Craig, Scott, and Gavin, their wives Pamela, Yvonne, and Angie, and his seven grandchildren. He was also a much-loved uncle, cousin, and a cherished friend to many. A reception of his remains will be held at St John’s RC Church in Perth on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:00 PM. A requiem mass will follow on Wednesday, December 3, at 10:00 AM, with committal at Auchterarder Cemetery. John Culliven’s life, characterised by service, family devotion, and an innate ability to connect with people, will be remembered with great fondness and respect across Perth and Kinross.
His son, Craig, affectionately shared, ‘Dad absolutely loved meeting people and always made time for a chat, no matter who they were.’ This sentiment was echoed by John Boyd, secretary of the Auchterarder and District Men’s Shed, who noted the profound positive impact the organisation had on Mr. Culliven following the loss of his beloved wife, Sheila, in 2023. Mr. Boyd highlighted that the Men’s Shed became a source of immense joy and friendship for John, providing him with vital companionship during a difficult time. A Journey from Glasgow to the Highlands
Born in Glasgow, John’s early years were shaped by profound personal loss, losing his mother, Flora Alexander, at just eight years old. This led to him and his sister Mary being placed in orphanages, experiences he remembered with a sense of the kindness received despite the strict environment. A pivotal moment in his youth was his relocation to Roybridge in the Scottish Highlands, a period he later described as the true beginning of his life. Surrounded by other children in similar circumstances, he found solace and belonging within a supportive community, an experience that likely laid the groundwork for his future dedication to public welfare.
His journey then took him to Inverness, a time he fondly recalled as “the highlight of my life”. Here, he embarked on an apprenticeship as a plumber, a trade he mastered with diligence. More significantly, it was in Inverness that he encountered Sheila Mackenzie, then the 18-year-old Miss Inverness. Their marriage in 1958 marked the start of a deep and enduring partnership that spanned 65 years until Sheila’s passing in 2023. Military Honour and Family Life
Early in their marriage, John served as a Royal Marine reservist, distinguishing himself by earning the Commando Medal as the top recruit. His service included a deployment with 40 Commando in Malta, an island he and Sheila would later revisit numerous times. Upon returning to civilian life, John and Sheila made their home in Drumnadrochit, where he resumed his plumbing career. Their family soon began to grow, with their first son, Graham, born in 1962. Subsequent moves saw them welcome Craig in 1966, Scott in 1967, and later, after a relocation to West Lothian for John’s work with Scottish Gas, Gavin in 1972.
At Scottish Gas, John rose to the position of senior officer, playing a crucial role in the nationwide conversion to natural gas. Outside his professional life, he was a vibrant member of various theatrical groups, including the Livingston Amateur Dramatic Society and the New Town Entertainers, and even hosted popular Saturday morning puppet shows for local children, showcasing his versatile talents and community spirit. Retirement and Respected Political Service
John retired from Scottish Gas at the age of 50, often humorously remarking on how long the company had been paying his pension. This opened a new chapter for him and Sheila, who moved to Calvine in Perthshire. There, Sheila fulfilled her passions by running a bed and breakfast, a knitwear business, and the local post office, while they also enjoyed keeping horses.
His inclination towards public service led him to politics. He was first elected to Tayside Regional Council as an SNP member for Atholl and Breadalbane, serving five years. Following local government reorganisation, he was re-elected to the new Perth and Kinross Council. His 12 years as convener were instrumental in guiding the nascent authority through its formative period. He proudly served as the Provost of Perth and Kinross from 1996 to 1999, a role that saw him interact with countless individuals, from dedicated local volunteers to members of the royal family. A Legacy Honoured in Perth
His distinctive car number plate, “A18 SNP,” became a recognisable symbol of his civic presence. Beyond his official duties, John and Sheila’s family grew with the arrival of their grandchildren, Shannon, Liam, Owen, Ross, Rhona, Blair, and Florence. A testament to their lasting impact on the community, Culliven Court in Perth was named in their honour.
At the age of 70, John stepped down from political life, prioritising more time with his family after two decades of dedicated service. In 2016, the Cullivens relocated to Auchterarder, quickly embracing the town’s sociable atmosphere and local charm. The loss of Sheila in 2023, after a long and loving marriage, was a profound blow. Yet, John found immense comfort in the unwavering support of his friends, neighbours, and particularly the camaraderie offered by the Auchterarder and District Men’s Shed, which became a vital part of his later life.
John Culliven is survived by his sons Graham, Craig, Scott, and Gavin, their wives Pamela, Yvonne, and Angie, and his seven grandchildren. He was also a much-loved uncle, cousin, and a cherished friend to many. A reception of his remains will be held at St John’s RC Church in Perth on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:00 PM. A requiem mass will follow on Wednesday, December 3, at 10:00 AM, with committal at Auchterarder Cemetery. John Culliven’s life, characterised by service, family devotion, and an innate ability to connect with people, will be remembered with great fondness and respect across Perth and Kinross.