Farmer and community champion John Arbuckle

Retired north Fife fa rme r John Arbuckle has died aged 80. Brought up with his two brothers and a sister, he was one of the few raspberry growers who targeted the fresh market before polytunnels came along and made life easier.

He saw that the big supermarket chains would take an increas ing percentage of the market and set out to meet their exacting standards from his small farm.

He succeeded because of his precise attention to detail.

He was also a successful grower of seed potatoes over many years.

His interest in the potato crop started when he attended a potato roguing class at Elmwood, Cupar, as a schoolboy.

A couple of years later, while studying at the East of Scotland College of Agriculture, he went on the course training potato inspectors, where he came out top of the class from all over Scotland.

Forty years later, after retiring from active farming, he once again attended the same course for training seed potato inspectors, and once again he topped the class.

He was also involved in the politics of potato growing, becoming the chairman on the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS) potato committee and a member of the Scottish Seed Potato Development Council.

These led him to become an honorary vice-president of the union.

More recently he coauthored a book celebrating the centenary of the NFUS, as well as two books of farming stories aimed at raising funds for Scotland’s Rural Charity – RSABI.

These books have already raised more than £70,000 for the charity.

As a young farmer, John chaired Bell Baxter Agricultural Discussion Society when it scooped the prestigious Allan Howie Award, presented to the club in Scotland showing most ambition.

In retirement, Jo h n would spend most of his time in his garden, which was one of the attractions of the Giffordtown gardens open day.

Villagers operate a barter system and John offered potatoes, strawberries and lettuce in exchange for items such as eggs.

He p layed a part in village life, being secretary of Giffordtown Community Council for 10 years. Earlier, he chaired Luthr ie Commun ity Council.

He also served as secretary of Howe of Fife Rugby Club, where he was a long- term supporter, often travelling many miles to cheer on his local team.

As well as being a keen gardener, John had taken up curling as a young man, and played the “roar ing game” up until a year or so ago, becoming one of the few curlers to be awarded the Royal Caledonian Curling C lub medal for those who compete on the ice for more than 50 years.

Being modest by nature, Jo h n would admit he curled as much for the camaraderie as for the competition.

John was predeceased by his wife Jean three years ago, with whom he had three children – John, Niall and Ir e n e – and five grandchildren.

DEDICATION: John Arbuckle was at heart of village life.