ALASTAIR LYBURN, well-known Strathmore farmer and sports enthusiast, died recently at the age of 83.

His farming career at South Gask, Coupar Angus spanned the decades as did his community work. Only recently Mr Lyburn was presented with a certificate to mark an extraordinary 60 years as an elder at Kettins Church. His service to the church and community was typically conducted without fuss or fanfare and included collecting for rural charity RSABI and distributing funds under the Poor Lands Bequest.

Mr Lyburn was born in 1930 at Kinnochtry near Burrelton and schooled in Coupar Angus. His love of all types of sport started early and for many years he focussed on football both as a player and referee.

At heart a St Johnstone supporter, he also kept a close eye on progress at Dundee Football Club. Tennis was another interest in early years and he competed regularly in the Strathmore League. He was also a keen curler, playing for Coupar Angus and Kettins Club. Golf became a great interest and he was a member at Rosemount, Blairgowrie and along with his wife Alexandra, a regular at Scone Bridge Club.

Mr and Mrs Lyburn married in 1956 and went on to have three children, Graeme, Bruce and Jane. Graeme farms at South Gask and nearby Dundriven and Bruce at Over Bow, Forfar.

Farming interest started early for Mr Lyburn and was spurred on by his membership of Strathmore Young Farmers Club.

He grew an extensive range of crops including at one time strawberries and potatoes. In due course the strawberries were replaced by field scale daffodils.

However, according to Mrs Lyburn, his real enthusiasm was reserved for his cattle and sheep.

"I have had notes from some of the vets who used to come here and they remarked on how Alastair was always cheerful even when they were helping with a difficult calving in the wee small hours of the morning," she said.

Mr Lyburn is survived by his wife, his three children and eight grand-children.