Tributes paid to ‘great sportsman’ as Duke of Roxburghe dies of cancer, aged 64, at Floors Castle

The 10th Duke of Roxburghe, Guy Innes-ker, has died at the age of 64 after losing a long fight against cancer.

The duke died peacefully at his family’s ancestral home, Floors Castle, near Kelso, yesterday.

He is survived by Virginia, the Duchess of Roxburghe, five children and five grandchildren.

His eldest son, Charles Innesker, 38, the Marquis of Bowmont, will succeed his father as the 11th Duke of Roxburghe.

In a statement, the duke’s family said: “We are all deeply saddened that the duke has lost his battle with an illness he fought with courage and determination.”

They added: “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 including breeding the first double Classic winner Attraction in the early 2000s.”

The duke’s family paid tribute to the care he received at the Brompton Hospital in London and at home by the Borders palliative care team supported by the Scottish Nursing Guild.

David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Everyone in the land business community will be deeply saddened that the Duke of Roxburghe has finally lost his battle with cancer – an illness he fought with great courage.

“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.”