Epitaphs............................................................22

Sir William James Lithgow Bt

With the recent death of Sir William Lithgow of Ormsary, the Highland Cattle Society has lost one of its longest established and most successful breeders. Sir Willam was a very supportive lifetime member of the society and was very proud of both the Ormsary Fold which was established in 1945 and the Inver Fold on the Isle of Jura formed shortly after. The Carsaig Fold was added to the Lithgow folds in 1984 when Sir William gifted two in calf heifers to his wife Lady Lithgow. Sir William was always delighted when there was success in the show or sale ring by any of the three folds.

He was very much of the opinion that highland cows should be on the hills and as such all the cows were fed on the low hill in winter and grazing the high tops in the summer months which he loved to visit when he could and enjoyed sharing his thoughts with the many visitors who came to Ormsary over the years to view the cattle.

Throughout his life, Sir William was an original thinker and brought many innovative ideas to modernise and improve both his rural and industrial business interests which included shipbuilding, farming, forestry, aquaculture, and more recently, renewable energy.

Sir William Lithgow is survived by his wife Lady Lithgow, his daughter Kate, sons James and John and six grandchildren, he was laid rest in the Ormsary graveyard overlooking the sea which was an integral part of his life, he will be much missed. Archie McArthur

Captain Alwyne Arthur Compton Farquharson

It is with sadness that we have learned of the passing of Captain Alwyne Arthur Compton Farquharson, a former Highland Cattle Society council member and highly regarded breeder has passed away.

‘Captain Alwyne Arthur Compton Farquharson of Invercald and Monaltrie 16th Chief of the Clan Farquharson died on the 6th of October aged 102.

As well as Invercauld Captain Farquharson owned Torloisk Estate on the Isle of Mull where for over fifty years he managed his Torloisk Highland Fold established by his father, Major Edward Compton in 1943.

The foundation of what was to become one of the best known folds in the Highlands was based on the finest breedingfrom folds such as, Barbreck, Laudale and Ardanasaig.

The main objectives at Torloisk were to breed a sweet type of Highland cow which could be depended upon do well on marginal land typical of the Highlands of Scotland or indeed elsewhere under similar conditions and with minimum of expense and attention, this careful selection of foundation stock ensured Torloisk cattle went on to help establish many folds throughout the country. Angus Mackay Achnagoul

Katharine Singleton-Smith

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Katharine Singleton-Smith – Ryewater fold on 6th September 2021. A much-loved wife to Daniel, daughter of the late Derek and Alison, sister to Richard, Alexander and the late Rupert, and a friend to many.

Funeral service to take place at St Juthware & St Mary Church, Halstock, Somerset, on Thursday 14 October at 11.45 am. Flowers welcome. Donations if desired to Stickland’s VA Primary School, Evershot; Weldmar Hospicecare Trust; The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Service may be given online at www. ajwakely.com or sent c/o AJ Wakely & Sons, 7 North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DZ.