ONE OF Scotlands's most successful Shetland pony breeders, Sam Macarthur, has died peacefully at the age of 83 in his home town of Nairn.

He was the sixth of seven born on the family farm of Mid Fleenas on June 25, 1930 and after serving his time as a mechanical engineer, Sam set up a livestock haulage business in 1955, which he ran successfully until 1990.

That job made him a well known face in all north auction marts and at the Perth Bull Sales, where he regularly hauled cattle to and for' for his clients.

One of his main interests was breeding Shetland ponies and he was a member of the Shetland Pony Society since the early 1970s.

As a breeder, he won many titles, notably Shetland champion and reserve overall heavy horse at the Royal Highland Show in 1988. In 1993, he also won the St John Wells' pairs inter-breed title.

Sam bred Passionate of St Ninian, which went on to be World Shetland Pony Champion in 1989, shown by Yann Calvet, at Toures, in France.

Judging ponies took Sam all over Scotland and several European countries and he placed a record entry of 125 ponies at the Highland Show in 1995. But, the pinnacle of his judging career was selecting the Highland's overall heavy horse inter-breed in 2000 and again, his last judging appointment, in 2012 at Ingliston.

He was a stalwart member of the Nairnshire Farming Society since the early 1950s and in appreciation of local farmers' loyal support throughout the year, he transported their livestock to and from the Nairn Show free of charge.

In later years, Sam became chief horse steward, running a very strong section and he was awarded an honorary membership of the Nairnshire Farming Society in 2010 for his many years of dedicated service.

He was also a founder member of the Nairn branch of Arthritis Care, later holding the post of the charity's national chairman for five years. He always had a strong affection for the town and county of Nairn and was a district councillor for 16 years - eight of which he held the title of Provost of the Burgh of Nairn.

His main sporting hobby was curling and he was a member of Ardclach Curling Club, with which he served as secretary, treasurer, president and, ultimately, honorary president. Sam was a highly respected player both on and off the ice, travelling extensively throughout Scotland and Europe taking part in competitions of the highest level.

The highlight of his competitive curling career was reaching the finals of the Scottish Curling Championships on three occasions.

Sam was predeceased by his wife, Betty, in 2005, after 50 happy years of marriage. He is survived by his three sons, Eric, David and Douglas.