It is with sadness that we bring the news that James Lockhart ‘Jimmy’ Ballantyne, an Edinburgh born trials and enduro rider has died following a heart attack suffered in France while he was watching an international rugby match in Paris. He was 77 years of age. He suffered a more severe heart attack on 3rd March, 2019.

J.L. Ballantyne had ridden three ISDT events by 1964 and went on to ride many more after then.

In the 1969 ISDT at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, he had problems with his 250cc BSA Starfire, riding for the Scottish ACU Vase B Team. Unfortunately the forestry authorities assumed that all riders had cleared a forest area and sent in heavy equipment, Jimmy met one head-on while trying to make up time. The resultant collision saw Jimmy break both legs and the BSA was immediately rendered a total wreck.

Jimmy rode in several SSDT events on a variety of machines including a Polish built WSK and Austrian Puch 125. He was an all-round off-road motorcyclist, having competed in scrambles, trials and enduro.

Born in the Borders town of Moffat, Dumfries-shire, Ballantyne was an inspector with the Inland Revenue service when he resided in Newbridge near Edinburgh, he left the service and bought the Blue Bell Inn and Commercial public Houses in Annan which he ran successfully for many years before retiring to enjoy support work at various ISDE events across the globe for the British teams.

Jimmy was the Chairman of the SACU Enduro committee, a man who put more back into the sport after he stopped competing.

Trials Guru send sincere condolences to his widow, Linda at this very difficult time.

Funeral arrangements: Jimmy’s funeral service was held in the Crichton Church, Bankend Road, Dumfries at 12:00 noon on Thursday, 14th March 2019.

Campbell Chatham delivered a very fitting eulogy to a congregation of many competition motorcyclists.

The final tune played was a recording of ‘Highland Cathedral’ by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the coffin was taken away to a private cremation.

Afterwards Jimmy’s family and friends celebrated his life at the Crichton Golf Club just a short distance away.