Ex Vice-lord Lieutenant of Angus dies aged 95

The former Vice-lord Lieutenant of Angus, Lt Col Andrew Houstoun OBE MC DL has died at the age of 95.

A distinguished former soldier and one-time convener of the Scottish Landowners’ Federation, he and his wife Mary had lived at Lintrathen near Kirriemuir for more than 60 years.

Mr Houstoun, pictured, was born at Sachel Court in West Sussex and attended a local preparatory school and then Harrow.

A place at Oxford University was a possibility but instead he chose a career in the army, attending Sandhurst before joining the Royal Dragoons.

He served in North Africa, Italy and Northern Europe. His leadership qualities and courage were recognised with the Military Cross in 1946.

He also served on the War Crimes Commission before joining the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry as adjutant in 1949. It was during his time in Fife that he met his bride-to-be, Mary Spencer-nairn.

By then a major, he rejoined the Royal Dragoons for service in Egypt and Germany.

In 1956 the couple moved to Cairnhall, near Lintrathen, where they began what was to become a successful career in farming.

He rejoined the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry and was promoted to lieutenant colonel before serving as its commander until he retired in 1965.

Lt Col Houstoun’s interest in rural politics began with a spell as president of Forfar branch of the NFU Scotland and continued with a long involvement with The Scottish Landowners’ Federation, which he eventually led as its convener.

He was awarded an OBE in 1983 and appointed Vice-lord Lieutenant of Angus in 1986.

In later years the Houstouns lived at Kirkhill, Lintrathen where they created a notable garden.

Lt Col Houston is survived by his wife Mary, four sons, nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. A memorial service is to be held at Kirriemuir Old Parish Church tomorrow at noon.