GEORGE MACARTHUR

Well-known Nairnshire suckled calf producer, George Macarthur, passed away recently after a short illness that was bravely fought.

Born in September, 1951, George was the only child of the late David and Joan Macarthur, of Mid Fleenas, Littlemill, Nairn.

He left school aged 18 years and began his working career with the Bank of Scotland, in Nairn. After nine years, he returned home to Mid Fleenas, where he farmed in partnership with his father and uncle, running a commercial herd of suckler cows.

In his early years, George undertook contract crop sowing for local farmers, before taking over the reins at Mid Fleenas and continuing the family tradition of producing top quality suckled calves most of which were sold through Aberdeen and Northern Marts.

Over the years, George built up a strong herd of Limousin cross British Blue cows, which he crossed with Limousin bulls and was well-known for breeding many show winners and sale toppers at local summer shows and leading suckled calf events.

In 2008, George lifted the championship with The Poacher at Caledonian Marts’ Premier show and sale in Stirling, selling for a then record price of £7000. That heifer, purchased by Mike and Melanie Alford, Foxhillfarm, went on to take the reserve suckled calf title at the Royal Smithfield Show, only to be beaten by Thunderthighs, another Mid Fleenas-bred calf shown by the MacPherson family, from Oban. In the following two years, he retained the championship with Bees Knees and Hat Trick Hero.

The calf George considered to be the best he had ever bred was Ronan, which stood spring-born champion at the Thainstone Spectacular in 2011 and sold to the Alford team for £3800. This bullock had a successful showing career that winter, winning Countryside Live, Agri-Expo, the Scottish Winter Fair and the English Winter Fair.

George was a great supporter of the Nairnshire Farming Society and in 2017 he was presented with an honorary membership in recognition of his services to Nairn Show. For several years he was treasurer of the society and dedicated a huge amount of his time as steward of the cross cattle section, which was recognised then as the leading show of commercial calves in Scotland.

Outwith farming, sport played a large part in George’s life. He enjoyed golf and bowling, and for many years, he was a noted leg spin bowler for Nairn County Cricket Club and the North Select.

He was also a passionate member of Ardclach Curling Club, winning several Province league championships. Playing alongside his uncle Sam and Cawdor members, Hugh Robertson and Robbie Craigie, he reached the Scottish finals three times.

A large turnout from near and far paid their respects at George’s funeral in Nairn, and a collection allowed £2628.90 to be donated to the Brain Tumour Charity.

In addition to being a dedicated farmer, George was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Joan, sons David (who continues to run Mid Fleenas) and Neil. He was also a proud grandfather of his three grandsons Ellis, Logan and Angus.

KM