Camperdown House trustee John Picton

John Picton, a trustee of the Friends of Camperdown House and former managing director of Dundee firm RL Fleming, has died. He was 83.

Born in Saltcoats, he left school at 17 to study maths and physics at St Andrews University.

While at university he won a half blue for playing hockey and helped found the University Jazz Club.

He joined the Tay Division Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and then joined the Royal Navy itself in 1954 to complete his national service.

After finishing his national service he was offered a job with paper sack manufacturer RL Fleming at Seabraes Mill in Dundee.

He rejoined the RNVR as an officer, having been commissioned during his national service.

In 1960 he married Elizabeth and the couple moved to Invergowrie before settling in Longforgan.

RL Fleming was sold to Swedish firm Billerud in the 1980s and Mr Picton took over as managing director after the retiral of Bob Fleming.

At the same time he continued rising through the ranks of the RNVR and became commanding officer of HJMS Camperdown in Dundee in 1977.

After his two years as commanding officer ended in 1979 he retired from the RNVR.

Mr Picton retired in 1991 and while on holiday in Amsterdam in 1994 visited the beach at Kamperduin.

This triggered his interest in the Battle of Camperdown, were the British Navy was commanded by Admiral Duncan from Dundee.

On his return to Dundee he became involved with Friends of Camperdown and in 1997 helped organise events to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle.

He and his wife were both trustees of Friends of Camperdown House, the campaign group which seeks to return the building to its former glory.

Mr Picton is survived by his wife Elizabeth, children Jane, Nicola, Sarah and Simon, and six grandchildren.

John Picton has died aged 83.