Tributes paid to former NFUS president Sir Ian Grant

Sir Ian Grant © NFU Scotland

Scottish farming industry leaders have paid warm tributes to former NFU Scotland (NFUS) president Sir Ian Grant CBE, who has died aged 79.

Leading the tributes, NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “Sir Ian was a truly remarkable person, and few will have ever given greater service to the agricultural industry, the rural sector and the wider business community than he did.

“His list of appointments and achievements show what a presence he had at home, in Europe and on the international stage.”

See also: 400 farmers rally to send message on food to Scottish government

Sir Ian was educated at Strathallan School in Perthshire, and the Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture.

He farmed arable, beef and sheep in Perthshire for more than 30 years.

Sir Ian was president of NFU Scotland for six years from 1984 to 1990.

For most of the 1980s, he represented Scottish cereal farmers on several committees in Brussels.

Sir Ian also chaired the influential International Federation of Agricultural Producers, a body which, at its peak, represented 600 million farming families across 79 countries. 

Closer to home, he enjoyed notable spells as vice-chairman of NFU Mutual and the first-ever commissioner of the Crown Estate. 

In wider business, there were many people who wanted to tap into Sir Ian’s incredible knowledge and experience.

This resulted in a significant spell as chair of the Scottish Tourist Board and board positions with the likes of the Confederation of British Industry Scotland, Scottish and Southern Energy and Clydesdale Bank.

Sir Ian was also the chairman of the Scottish Exhibition Centre from 2002 to 2013.

‘Huge presence’

“He was a delightful person to meet and discuss issues with; a regular attendee at NFU Scotland’s annual dinner and our Highland Show stand, and his huge presence and wise counsel will be sorely missed,” added Mr Kennedy.

“Our thoughts are with Sir Ian’s family and friends at this time.”  

Sir Ian was also an honorary director of the Royal Highland Agricultural Show Society (Rhass), the organisers of the Royal Highland Show at which he was ever present.

Alan Laidlaw, Rhass chief executive, described him as a “true leader in Scottish agriculture”.

He added: “Sir Ian understood the economics at a farm level but also the policy and macro environment, and was able to make challenging and detailed deliberations appear simple with a wit, understanding and integrity beyond question.

“Sentiments shared since his death have shown that Sir Ian was a trusted advisor, mentor and friend to many across the farming community.”

Sir Ian died peacefully at his home in Alyth, Perthshire, on Sunday 20 November. He leaves behind his wife Eileen and their three daughters, Catherine, Jane and Rosie.

Family, friends and former colleagues are invited to a celebration of his life at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, at 12pm on Friday 2 December.