Helen Lamb 1945 - 2010 21.09.10

Helen Lamb 1945 - 2010 21.09.10
The community of Ardtornish suffered a very sad loss in late
August, with the death of Helen Lamb. Helen had been fighting
what we thought was osteoporosis but tragically was later
diagnosed as cancer. Though she had been ill for many months, she
continued her long-standing trademark walks around the head of
the loch until a few weeks before her death.
Helen, originally from Edinburgh, came here with husband Ian Lamb
in 1980 to look after the kitchen garden at Ardtornish. This they ran

with extraordinary dedication and energy, despite our poor soils,
worse weather, and midges, and for many years their wonderful
fruit and vegetables were a defining characteristic of life and
holidays at Ardtornish. In later years, as fresh fruit and vegetables
became easier to get in the West Highlands, they increasingly
focused on developing a plant nursery. Ardtornish nursery garden
under their care became famous for the quality and range of often
unusual plants.
Helen and Ian raised two children, Donald and Kirsty, and Helen
enjoyed being grandmother to Kirsty's two children, based in Fort
William. Her ready smile, contented and philosophical outlook on
life, and keen interest in the natural history and surroundings of
Ardtornish will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are very much with
Ian, Donald and Kirsty.