Well-known Perthshire farmer Richmond McWilliam Haig Haddow has died, aged 85.
He was president of Alyth Farmers for many years, president of Blairgowrie National Farmers Union and chairman of the local Conservative Party.
Born in Glasgow, Mr Haddow attended Belmont House prep school followed by Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh between 1941 and 1945. He then joined the Royal Navy and spent two years aboard HMS Glasgow as a navigator’s yeoman.
He enjoyed his time at sea and constantly referred to his travels in the Far East and Africa.
On leaving the navy, he attended agricultural college in Glasgow for a year then spent a year in practical training at Roxburghe Mains Farm in the Borders.
He created a partnership with Gordon Sim and bought Morton farm at Tayport. Mr Haddow sold out to his partner a few years later and bought Westfield Farm, Alyth. At this time he was also factor, farmer and salesman for the Honourable J. D. Carnegie.
In 1964 he bought East Tullyfergus Farm, Alyth, followed by Whiteside farm in 1970. In 1980 he bought Kirkland Bank Farm. He also farmed Easter Rattray for some time.
Mr Haddow married Patricia McGlashan, from Paisley, in 1955, as the start of a 57-year partnership, and they had three daughters and one son.
A popular man in the community, he expressed gratitude for the acceptance and advice he received from local farmers when he was an incomer. He passed his farms to son Jeffrey John Haig Haddow in 1995 and retired to Strathellie, a property he kept on Westfield Farm.
Mr Haddow enjoyed shooting, and shot all over Scotland with various friends and syndicates. He was also a keen yachtsman and was the proud owner of a yacht for many years and enjoyed holidays on the west coast with his family and friends.
In his retirement he enjoyed extensive travel around the world with his wife.
Described as one of nature’s true gentlemen, he was renowned for his sense of humour and keen interest in the lives of his children, grandchildren, daughter-in-law and three sons-in-law. He is survived by his wife, four children and 11 grandchildren.