Tributes as ‘titan’ of Scots business Sir Angus dies
TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Scotland’s most influential businessmen after his death at the age of 85.
Sir Angus Grossart died on Friday at his home in Edinburgh after a short illness.
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, the former defence secretary and secretary-general of Nato, said Sir Angus was a ‘formidable Scotsman, patriot, mentor and banker extraordinaire’, adding: ‘He had his hand on the pulse and often behind the scenes did work to promote his native land.’
Sir Angus, a QC, founded the merchant bank Noble Grossart with Sir Ian Noble in 1969 after an early career as an advocate.
The bank backed business successes including Argyll Foods, which later became Safeway supermarkets, and Sir Tom Farmer, the founder of Kwik Fit.
It also supported Goldcrest Films, the maker of Chariots of Fire, Gandhi and Local Hero, although the company later ran into financial difficulties.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also paid tribute, calling Sir Angus ‘a titan of Scotland’s business community’ who would leave ‘a deep and lasting legacy’ through his contributions to the arts, culture, the economy, and public life.
The high-profile businessman served as a director of nearly 20 listed public companies in the UK, US and Canada. He was vice-chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and a former chairman of the Scottish Investment Trust and of Edinburgh Fund Managers.
Sir Angus, who was knighted in 1997, was chairman of the National Museums of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland.
In March, Glasgow-born Sir Angus was awarded the Lord Provost’s Loving Cup by the city council for leading the £8million fundraising effort for the Burrell Collection’s relaunch.