Sir Ian Grant, one of the most successful post-war presidents of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), has died aged 79.
Before retiring from farming to pursue other interests he farmed at Thorn, near Alyth. He led NFUS from 1984 to 1990 and was simultaneously chair of the COPA Cogeca cereals committee in Brussels.
Amongst many other appointments he was subsequently chair of NFU Mutual and Commissioner of the Crown Estate in Scotland. He was knighted by the Queen in 2010.
Sir Ian was also a director of Clydesdale Bank, chair of the Scottish Tourist Board and chair of the Scottish Exhibition Centre. He was also a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Perthshire.
He kept up his farming connections through the Royal Smithfield Club and as an honorary director of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).
RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw said: “Sir Ian could be trusted for clarity of thought, wit and a challenging demeanour, all while being approachable, caring and incredibly fair. Ian was known for taking the time to make sure he understood the ‘why’ behind the person or situation.”
