Scots dad who owned popular bar dies after being hit by tree on way home from Fringe

A Scots dad has died after being hit by a tree in a freak accident while travelling home from the Edinburgh Festival. James Douglas Lowe, known as Doogie or Doug, was killed 'instantly' after being struck by the falling tree during a storm.

The 57-year-old, who was originally from Scotland but now owned a bar in Lancaster, was travelling home through Durham with his son Will when tragedy struck on Tuesday, August 20. The pair had been visiting Doogie's mum and attending the Fringe festival prior to the horror incident and his family have been left heartbroken.

The father and son duo owned popular boozer Winedown Preston, and in a heartfelt post written on the pub's Facebook page, Will said: "James Douglas Lowe - our beloved founder, owner and forever belligerent bartender - sadly lost his life in a horrible freak accident. During the journey home from Durham a tree fell during a brief pocket storm and sadly killed him instantly.

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"Dad and myself were travelling back from visiting his mother and spending the Monday at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We had such a fantastic time and the memories made are ones I will always cherish. This is of course a hugely significant loss to both my family and our business.

"You will all know that I have had a very active role in the day to day operations of the business since its founding in 2015. At 14 years old myself and Dad started this little venture alongside one another. My love of wine and spirits, my knowledge of drinks and hospitality have all grown out of time spent with Dad and working at Winedown. They are memories that made me and that I shall always hold dear. I will never forget those countless hours in the bar surrounded by a close knit set of truly wonderful customers.

"I am sure that all who read this will know the devotion Dad showed to running this fantastic small business. It was with great pride (and a fair amount of disbelief) that we were named 2023 bar of the year, an award I hope to retain for as long as possible."

Will continued: "It is my hope that this will not be the end of Winedown and that when the dust has settled we will come back even stronger, retaining our ability to treat every customer as a friend welcomed into our lives. Informing, educating and entertaining you lovely people, sharing our passion for all that we do.

"So raise a glass, have a dram, sample some cheese in honour of Doogie - raise a smile and share fond memories of a fantastic man taken from us far too soon."

Douglas Lowe’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 10, and loved ones have been urged to wear navy blue, in tribute to Doogie's "beloved" home country.

Will added: "I will be wearing my kilt and a rugby polo, remembering some of our happiest times together. Please weather whatever you would be most comfortable in - it would be a fitting tribute to see lots of sports shirts of teams special to your hearts or anything navy blue for dad's beloved Scotland."

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