Land Rover expert Roger Hollands, 71

Roger Hollands of Ballindalloch, whose knowledge of Land Rovers was said to be legendary, has died aged 71.

He established parts dealer RDH Landrover in 1987 after moving to the area from the south of England.

Roger had started his working life in a flower nursery in Kent before gravitating towards agricultural mechanics which became his true passion.

Over the years Roger, often assisted by his friend Charlie Reid, developed the business into the place to go for all Land Rover needs.

During the summer months he was a familiar face promoting RDH Landrovers at agricultural shows from Keith to the Black Isle.

Roger David Hollands was born in Blean near Canterbury.

When he left school and had started work at the flower nursery, it became evident that he had an aptitude for mechanics.

He was soon able to restore cars and repair greenhouse equipment.

It was in Blean that Roger met his future wife, Carol, and the couple married in 1971. They went on to have two of a family, Julie and David, and began to enjoy caravan holidays in the north of Scotland.

The family moved to Essex Rainham when Roger secured a job as a general labourer and it was there he was given the chance to develop his agricultural engineering skills. However, living close to London brought fears for his children’s safety so the family took the decision to make their home in Scotland.

Roger soon turned his love of mechanics into a successful business. He never fully retired and always considered Land Rovers as much a hobby as an occupation.

In 1994 his marriage ended and he later formed a relationship with Marlene which was to last the rest of his life.

Outside work, Roger loved trout fishing, walking and looking after his dogs.

Roger was a grandfather to Lauren, Charlie, Caitlin, Carys and Logan and a great-grandfather to Mason.

KNOWLEDGE: Mr Hollands considered Land Rovers as much a hobby as an occupation.