By Gordon Berry

A NORTH FIFE man who made an annual visit to the grave of the “unknown bairn” in Tayport has died without ever finding an answer to a riddle unsolved for more than 35 years.

John Robertson, known locally as “Ian the Postie,” became involved in one of the great mysteries of Scotland’s recent history when he found the body of a young child on the foreshore of the River Tay on May 23, 1971.

It has now been revealed that Ian, who came to look on the child as a family member, is to be buried at Tayport very close to the grave of the child, who remains unidentified to this day.

No one has ever come forward to claim the remains the young boy, who was thought to have been aged between two and four.

There have been a number of theories about the youngster, one suggesting a connection with gypsies, and another that he might have been on a ship visiting the Tay.

Nothing has ever been found to suggest he died of anything other than natural causes.

There has been massive publicity over the years, not only in print but on television and radio, and Ian and his family have lovingly tended the grave.

Yesterday Ian’s wife Irene said the whole family is delighted that a spot has been found for the burial near the little boy’s grave.

She said, “Ian had always hoped that there would some sort of answer, but as the years went by he realised that this was more and more unlikely.

“We always felt as though he had become one of our family.

“It is so hard to believe that no one ever came forward to claim one of their own.

“We look after the grave and keep it tidy, and once a year the community council provides flowers that Ian has always laid at the scene.

“I hope to be able to keep on doing that.”

Mr Robertson, who was in his 75th year, died after becoming ill at home last weekend.

He was born in Tayport and educated at the local primary school before learning his trade as a painter and decorator.

He worked for a local firm, then joined the Royal Engineers for three years of national service and returned to his trade before becoming a postman.

Ian was not in the job long when he came across the child’s body, while walking with his son Neil, and the experience made a huge impression on him.

He was a lifelong member of Scotscraig Bowling Club, and was also a British Legion member and former community councillor.

He enjoyed gardening and collecting 1930s crested ware.

He joined two art clubs after taking up painting late in life.

Ian is survived by Irene, daughters Avril, Fay and Lynn, son Neil, 12 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

At the end of last year Ian and Irene celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.