A well-known Angus farmer and musician, whose sporting interests took him into competition against triple Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, has died at the age of 84.
Angus Cruickshanks challenged the motor racing legend not on the grid but at the clay pigeon shooting stand, where his fellow Scot also excelled before going on to secure legendary status behind the wheel.
A keen shot and outdoors enthusiast throughout his life, Mr Cruickshanks faced Stewart in the 1960s at Kirknewton Airfield in West Lothian for a place in the Scottish shooting team missing out to his famous rival by just a single point.
He continued shooting until just a few months ago and was a keen and helpful member of Auchterhouse Country Sports Club in the Sidlaws.
Mr Cruickshanks farmed at Wester Coul, Lintrathen, from the age of 14 until 1979, taking over the tenancy from his father who had farmed there since 1921.
He was a well-known black-faced tup breeder and very proud of selling the highest priced ram lamb at a 1960s sale in Perth for the then substantial sum of £350.
Mr Cruickshanks was also a successful cattle breeder but away from farming was known to many as an accomplished accordionist and leader of the Angus Cruickshanks Band, which enjoyed popularity across Tayside for more than three decades.
He played a Hohner Shand Morino button box which he had proudly purchased from Jimmy Shand and was a regular at Coupar Angus and Forfar Accordion and Fiddle Clubs.
Always ready for a “tune” and a great encouragement to young players, Mr Cruickshanks performed with partner Pauline Monro and Stewart Robertson of Alyth, who passed away last year.
Following his retiral from farming he worked on sporting estates in Angus, mainly Cortachy, and was described by Pauline as “a great country man.”
“Angus enjoyed his music and the outdoor life very much and will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” she added.
He is survived by Pauline and family including sisters, nieces and nephews.
Mr Cruickshanks’ funeral service will take place in Kirriemuir Old Parish Church on Monday at 11.30am, thereafter to Lintrathen churchyard extension.