Ross Phillips

“I was with Chris at George Heriot’s School, and I am proud to have called him one of my closest friends, in having spent time with him on holidays, through rugby, nights out, birthdays, stag-dos and numerous other social events over the last 17 years.

We worked together at The Canny Man’s in Morningside, not long after leaving school. He put in a good word for me with the owner and took me under his wing in training me up to tend bar. He would charm his way in, bringing in most of the tips each night, and he was always up for a laugh. A real pleasure to work with also. 

When I got married In 2012, he appeared the day before the wedding (despite numerous attempts to confirm if he was coming or not) without a place to stay, missing wedding attire and short of cash. However, that evening before, he arrived at the venue, managed to borrow the things he needed, find a place to stay and win a pub game of “deal or no deal” taking home the grand prize of £400. To say he was resourceful and thought on his feet is an understatement! He then very generously used some of the money to buy me and my wife a wedding present.

He was a very charming, charismatic and principled guy, and a real pleasure to spend time with.”