The 10th Duke of Roxburghe, Guy Ker, aged 64

The 10th Duke of Roxburghe has died at the age of 64 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Guy Innes Ker died peacefully yesterday at his family’s ancestral home, Floors Castle, near Kelso, in the Scottish Borders.

He is survived by Virginia, the Duchess of Roxburghe, five children and five grandchildren. The duke’s eldest son, Charles, the Marquis of Bowmont, will succeed his father as the 11th Duke of Roxburghe.

Mr Ker inherited his title in 1974 at the age of 19, while serving with the British Army with the Blues and Royals in Cyprus, due to the unexpected death of his father.

Previously he was educated at Eton College and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he studied land economy.

His family said in a statement he had fought his illness with “great courage and determination”.

“He was a wonderful and loving husband to Virge and devoted father to Rosie, Charlie, Ted, Bella and George and it is a desperate loss to us all,” it said.

“His family meant so much to him and he was always there to offer love, guidance and support. He really was a Corinthian figure who was a great sportsman, a passionate fisherman who made a huge contribution to fisheries management on the river Tweed and a successful businessman who modernised and turned Roxburghe Estates into the successful business it is today.

“He took particular pride in seeing the work he and Virge had undertaken to establish Floors Castle and Gardens as one of the premier visitor attractions in Scotland.

He derived enormous success and enjoyment from racing and the thoroughbred stud at Floors Castle near Kelso, including breeding the first double Classic winner Attraction in the early 2000s.

“We know he will be missed by so many in different spheres in particular by those staff and farm tenants on the Roxburghe Estates.”

Mr Ker was treated at the Brompton Hospital in London and latterly by the Border palliative care team, both of which were thanked by the family.

David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land and Estates, also paid tribute to the duke.

He said: “Guy Roxburghe was a driving force in the modernisation of land ownership in Scotland.

“He was passionate about all aspects of the rural sector and was determined to make Roxburghe Estates a shining example of a modern estate business. He made many friends during his remarkable life and will be missed greatly.”

There will be a private family funeral and a memorial service will be announced in due course.

The Duke of Roxburghe.