The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Cattle breeder and shinty president Donnie Mackenzie
The world of cattle breeding and agricultural shows is mourning the loss of Donnie Mackenzie, who has died, aged 86.
Donnie Mackenzie Sr, of Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire, was one of shinty’s most knowledgeable and committed friends and peerless in the business of buying, rearing and breeding quality cattle. He was an accomplished stock-man and breeder of Charolais cattle, working from the Inverlochy Castle Farm on the outskirts of Fort William.
He was employed too for a time at the Long John Distillery at Lochy Bridge in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
Born in Fort Augustus and the son of a shepherd, Donnie and his family eventually moved to Spean Bridge.
He introduced groundbreaking methods, innovative cattle breeding and agricultural changes to the Great Glen Cattle Ranch at Inverlochy Castle, owned by Joseph Hobbs.
Mackenzie started out as a tractor man, but eventually became as well-known and as comfortable at the Perth Bull Sales as he was at shinty venues throughout the north of Scotland.
He shared his time between his three great loves, agriculture, shinsty and his family.
He eventually became president of his home team Lochaber Camanachd.
His funeral will take place today at Duncansburgh and Kilmonivaig Parish Church of Scotland in Spean Bridge. The final committal will take place at Blarour Cemetery.