University College Oxford Record 2020

memorial service, from which they have kindly let
us give these extracts:
Johnny: “Dad lost his father when he was six
months old, and was brought up on his family’s
estate at Arndean by his mother. Eton, Oxford
and the Scots Guards could have led to a life
anywhere in the world, but in 1951 he returned
to Arndean where he lived for the remainder of
his life.”
David: “He is probably one of the few people
to have blown up a castle. Cowden Castle, where
his aunt had lived, required a lot of work, and it
was either save the castle or sell much of the
estate. I believe he made the right choice. He
was left with wonderful woods and the Japanese
Garden, created by his aunt.
“In late 1951 his beloved sister, Grizel,
married. Dad, however, had his eyes on another
Grizel, Grizel Cochrane. In September 1952 he
took mum to the Skye Balls and claims it was
a ‘romping success’. What exactly that meant is
probably best left unexplained, but at a Christmas
masked ball they got engaged, and were married
the following year.”
Johnny: “His mother decided to move to
Edinburgh and so in June 1953 he and mum
moved into Arndean. Soon Cici was born, and
then Alec, Johnny, David and Sara.
“Many would think he was a conservative.
When he was elected to the Perth and Kinross
County Council, he did so as an independent. He
was hugely public spirited. I believe he was unique
in being appointed Lord Lieutenant of two
different counties, firstly Kinrossshire, in 1964-
74, and then Clackmannanshire in 1994-2001.
He was Convener of the Scottish Landowners’
Federation for two years and was Chairman of
the East of Scotland Colleges of Agriculture for
ten. He had enjoyed his service with the Scots
Guards, and so joined the Territorial Army and
served for 25 years with the Argylls, commanding
the 7th Battalion from 1963-5.”
David: “Our parents had a wonderful marriage
and gave the five of us a very special childhood.
Sport played an important role in his life,
particularly shooting, golf, curling, football and
tennis. Gardening was another passion and the
garden at Arndean is testament to his skills. He
also had the responsibility of the Japanese Garden
at Cowden. He was deeply saddened when the
garden was badly damaged by vandals, but my
sister Sara has brought it back to its former glory.”
Johnny: “He always gave us wise council. I
loved seeing that familiar writing on an envelope
as his letter would be packed with interesting
things. I still have the one he sent me the day
before I commanded the Queen’s Birthday
Parade in June 1997. It made me so determined
not to let him down.”
David: “He was a forgiving man and never
seemed to get cross. He forgave Geordie, his
stockman, who forgot to put the break on the
Range Rover while opening a gate only to watch
the car quietly glide down the hill and then rather
noisily take out the fence and three spruce trees.”
Johnny: “Mum and my siblings have been
overwhelmed by the number of letters, cards and
e-mails that we have received. I want to pick out
a few thoughts: a privilege to have known him; he
always had a twinkle in his eye; a loyal servant to
our country and county; a remarkable man who
lived a remarkable life; he was the kindest man
that ever drew breath.”
64 University College Record | October 2020