Former Perthshire farmer, cattle breeder and businessman Jeremy Dewhurst has died aged 87.
Born in London in 1934 to Irene and Hugh, Jeremy and his sister went to live with their grandparents in Wales during the war while his father served abroad with the army and his mother carried out civic duties in London.
It was during his time in Wales that Jeremy honed his skills in country outdoor sports which he would pursue far into adulthood.
Black Watch
On completing his education at Eton College where his lifelong passion for cricket was born, he undertook his National Service with The Black Watch in British Guiana.
When, in 1947, his parents bought Dungarthill Estate near Dunkeld, this proved the perfect backdrop to further his shooting skills and he gained a reputation for being an excellent shot of pheasants, grouse and deer.
Farming life began at Auchessan, near Crianlarich. A few years later he bought Woodend and Abbey farms, near Crieff.
Livestock
It was here that in collaboration with his mother he further developed the Ardbennie Beef Shorthorn Herd, regularly showing stock at Perth, the Royal Highland Show, the Yorkshire Show and the Royal Show.
His interest in the breed led him to board level and, ultimately, the presidency of the Beef Shorthorn Society. He keenly followed the fortunes of the breed long after retirement.
The draw of the hills took him to Innerwick estate, Glenlyon, where he ran a herd of Galloway cattle, Blackface sheep and supplied venison through stalking.
Enterprise
On retiring from farming, Jeremy started a business supplying feed and equipment to game bird estates throughout Scotland, which allowed him to travel to estates where he had enjoyed his sport over many years.
The business was sold in 2006 when Jeremy and his wife, Janet, relocated to Balbeggie and it was there he finally settled into retirement.
New hobbies
It was not easy at first but he adapted to the slower pace of life and embraced vegetable and fruit growing and enjoyed his potting shed and greenhouse.
Jeremy kept in touch with old friends and his visits were often timed to allow them to watch cricket on the television.
Attending the bull sales, the Royal Highland Show and the Scottish Game Fair were annual outings that kept him abreast of the agricultural industry.
While living a Woodend, Jeremy played for Crieff Cricket Club. In later years he remained a huge fan of the sport and realised that satellite television could provide almost endless games so he had a dish installed so he could find a match almost daily.
Charity
Apart from his presidency of the Beef Shorthorn Society, Jeremy was a director of the Royal Highland Show and a board member of agricultural charity RSABI.
He is survived by his wife Janet and sons Charles and Jamie.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at Dunkeld Cathedral on July 28.
Conversation