WALK WITH DESTINY
Bill Gilpin Memorial
The Bill Gilpin Memorial Fund
The Bill Gilpin Memorial Fund aims to assist Scottish community groups supporting people’s wellbeing and making a positive impact in the world.
Bill Gilpin was the owner of Clydeside Models, a company making 1/1200 waterline models and the FLOTILLA naval, air & land wargame system. Beginning as a hobby while he was an art student, his models were first produced in 1978, as simple, one-piece, wargame models and the range rapidly expanded to over 200 models, including WWI, WWII & modern warships, and 37 Clyde steamers.
After leaving school Bill attended night school classes and gained the qualifications needed to get a place at the Glasgow School of Art, where he made some lifelong friends. He then became an art teacher at Holyrood Secondary School, Glasgow where he spent the whole of his teaching career.
Once retired, he relocated full time to Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae where he spent many holidays in his youth and he spent the rest of his days there.
A lifelong learner, Bill spent his retirement teaching himself many new skills including Gaelic, CAD design and 3D Printing
Bill Gilpin
Before his sudden death in 2020 Bill talked about creating a fund to support community groups and other causes he supported in memory of his much loved family. He enjoyed being part of community groups and understood the importance the arts can have in supporting positive wellbeing.
Bill wanted to honour the memory of his father William Gilpin, mother Winifred Gilpin nee O'Donnell who was also an artist, his paternal grandmother's family - the Duffys, and his dearly loved Aunt and Uncle, Bill and Diana Divers. Bill instructed that the proceeds of Clydeside Models and most of his other belongings should be given to this fund.
Bill was a huge supporter of the Walk With Destiny Project and we are very proud to launch The Bill Gilpin Memorial fund in honour of Bill and his family, supporting small community groups and other good causes in Scotland.
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One of Bill's paintings, 1971
Bill Gilpin and Walk With Destiny Founder, Aileen Malone
Bill visiting Millport as a young boy with his mum and dad and cousin Charles. The start of his lifelong love of the Island.
Bill with his cousins at a family gathering in 2019
Bill as a small child with (L-R) his Father, William Gilpin, his Mother, Winifred Gilpin, Aunt Diana Divers and Uncle Bill Divers.
Bill visiting Millport as a young boy with his Granny O'Donnell and cousin Charles.
Bill at a family gathering in 1966
