Perthshire lambing expert, show winner and dog lover Jimmy Menzies, aged 64

James West Menzies – known to friends and family as Jimmy – died surrounded by his family at Baledmund Farm, Tulliemet, Perthshire, where he had lived all of his life. Loved ones said the sudden onset of illness at New Year had cruelly curtailed his life, but thanks to the determination of his eldest sister – supported by the rest of the family – he was able to be at home. He even worked his dogs from his wheelchair for a few days in spring. Jimmy, 64, was the youngest of a family of six and though of inquiring mind, was keen to leave school and start “real learning” on the farm, his family said. He and his brother Brian divided the work: Brian with cattle and Jimmy the sheep, helping each other as required for the rest of his working life. Jimmy was particular at lambing. He wanted his sheep to be the best possible, crossing blackies to produce mules, and using beltex to produce good carcase lambs for sale. This was evidenced by his winning the National Fatstock Club annual carcase competition in 2014. He regularly supported the Aberfeldy Show, winning supreme sheep in 2006 and 2016. After work on the farm, Jimmy’s dogs were his life. He competed in and helped organise the local Atholl and Weem trial for many years but after one of his dogs, Hope, was reserve with the Central District nursery team things moved up a gear. At the 2010 Scottish National he qualified with Hope and Cher to compete in the brace competition at the International in Ireland. Further perseverance resulted in fourth place in the 2018 Scottish National with Ted and another trip to the International in Ireland. With Ted and Shaw, Jimmy represented Scotland in the brace on Countryfile’s One Man and his Dog in 2017 – at the surprising location of Hampstead Heath in London. Jimmy had other interests too. He was a keen dancer having been taught, like all the family, by his mother in the kitchen at Baledmund. He knew all the steps but more importantly he had an exuberance that made being his partner a delight. In his younger years Jimmy curled in national competitions with the Tulliemet club. Discussions were wide ranging; he had an excellent knowledge and understanding of the history of his local area and families. A convinced supporter of Scottish independence, he also recognised that achieving this goal might be a rocky road. Jimmy was an accomplished cook and enjoyed experimenting with new dishes, both at home and in seeking out restaurants on his travels to trials. Although Jimmy’s life was shorter than it should have been, it was a full life and well-lived, the family said.

James “Jimmy” West Menzies.