Respected Simmental cattle breeder remembered as a 'true gentleman' of Scottish agriculture

"A foremost name in agriculture and the Simmental world, Stewart along with his wife Hazel, were the founders of the highly noted Islavale pedigree herd"

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Islavale Simmental pedigree herd founder Stewart Stronach Snr died on August 29 at the age of 82. (Frank S. McLean and Son)
Image:

Islavale Simmental pedigree herd founder Stewart Stronach Snr died on August 29 at the age of 82. (Frank S. McLean and Son)

A well-known Simmental cattle breeder has been remembered as a 'generous, humble and true gentlemen' after his passing.

Stewart Stronach Snr died at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen on August 29. 

He was 82 years-old.

READ NOW: Well-known Welsh farmer dies suddenly on farm

Mr Stronach Snr was a founder of the highly noted Islavale pedigree herd and a former chair of the Scottish Simmental Club.

His funeral was held at St Rufus Church in Keith on Monday (September 9).

Funeral director Frank McLean and Son, based in Keith, said Mr Stronach Snr was a loving husband to his wife Hazel, a father to his children Linda, Stewart and Sandra, and a grandfather to his grandchildren.

The Scottish Simmental Club said it was deeply saddened by the death of its former chair.

The British Simmental Cattle Society paid tribute to a 'true gentleman' following his passing.

"The Society is very saddened to report on the passing of Stewart Stronach Snr," a spokesperson for the society said.

"A foremost name in agriculture and the Simmental world, Stewart along with his wife Hazel, were the founders of the highly noted Islavale pedigree herd. 

"Popular and engaging with all who met him, Stewart was a true gentleman, very much a family man, hugely respected, and a tremendous advocate of the Simmental breed.

"On behalf of all members, the British Simmental Cattle Society would like to extend its deepest condolences to all of the Stronach family at this sad time."

READ NOW: Tributes paid to farmers who died in RTC after travelling home from agricultural show

More on Farm Life

RHS Chelsea honours flower farmers

RHS Chelsea honours flower farmers

Centrepiece telling the story of Britain's growers takes home silver-gilt at celebrated flower show

clock 25 May 2026 • 2 min read
Dan Hawes: "Frosts have meant the fruit ripening has gone from full speed to almost nothing"

Dan Hawes: "Frosts have meant the fruit ripening has gone from full speed to almost nothing"

In Your Field columnist and soft fruit producer Dan Hawes on the effect of May frosts, propagation work and preparation for a busy season ahead

Dan Hawes
clock 25 May 2026 • 3 min read
Farmers urged to share their experience of upland life

Farmers urged to share their experience of upland life

MP group aims to determine challenges faced by farmers and how future support should be framed

clock 25 May 2026 • 2 min read