A great supporter of the North Country Cheviot breed, Tom Munro, has died, aged 84.

He was born at Houstry Mains, Halkirk, in 1937, where he grew up and left school at the age of 14, to begin a three-year apprenticeship at Thurso East dairy farm. After that, he had various other employment in the area.

In 1959, aged 22, he married Linda, setting up their first home at Banniskirk Mains, Halkirk. They moved around another two farms before, in 1969 taking up employment with Alistair Clyne, Field of Noss, Wick, as farm manager at Shorelands Farm, which he did until 1985.

It was during this time that Field of Noss won the North Country Cheviot shearling class at the Royal Highland Show for 10 consecutive years, winning the Gold Cup and the St Johns Wells trophy outright. On top of this, they had many wins at the Caithness Show – in 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1983 – something Tom was very proud of.

He began his own successful North Country Cheviot flock on his return to Halkirk, having many show winners, including winning first prize with a ewe lamb at the Royal Highland Show – a great achievement considering he had no more than 8-10 ewes.

Shows and sales were a huge part of Tom's life and notably he turned down a wedding invitation as it was the Cheviot ram sale day in Thurso.

He was known for having a great eye for livestock, be it cattle or sheep, but was passionate about North Country Cheviots, having collected every flock book from 1-74. He had a huge depth of knowledge on the breed and enjoyed nothing more than helping new members and breeders, offering advice to those who wanted it and indeed travelled all over the country to judge many shows.

Besides Cheviots, Tom held a keen interest as a ploughman, competing and winning many trophies at local matches, passing on tips to his grandson, who he trained up to be the Scottish junior champion.

Tom was married 61 years and leaves four sons and one daughter. He was a real character and many a kist party will not be the same without him.