The family of Jim Souter have announced his passing, aged 80 years, on December 24, 2021, at Speyside care home, Aberlour, after a short illness.

Born in Cabrach on a family farm, Jim was brought up from a young age at Burnton Farm, which was famous for its Beef Shorthorn and Aberdeen-Angus herds owned by Alex Anderson.

Jim’s father, Bill Neish, a long standing cattleman, passed on great skills to Jim who was the eldest of four sons, all of whom became cattlemen in their own right – the others being Billy Neish, who emigrated to Canada; Alan Neish, who emigrated to Kansas City and sadly passed in 2006; and Ian Neish, who was well known as herd manager at Peebles and Hurdcott herd of Shorthorns and Angus.

Always a very hard working and able stockman, Jim's early years of work were at Clashbenny, Balhagerty and Hill of Errol farms, fattening cattle. In the early 1970s, he also worked at Auchterarder House and Whitefold Farm. His next move was to John Douglas, at Rashiehall, Balbeggie, where he introduced the Cherry Blossom family to the herd, turning them into the Cherry Bees, one of which matched the breed record of 5500gns at the herd's dispersal.

Jim then moved to the Doonholm Aberdeen-Angus herd, near Ayr, running Doonholm and several of the farms belonging to the Kennedy family for 12 years. This ended in 1984 after dispersal of the herd.

His final move was to Delfur Farms, Rothes, in 1992, where he proceeded to help upgrade and improve the cattle under the ownership of Sir Dennis Mountain and management of Gibby Scott, who went on to become a longstanding friend.

Much success was had at local North-east shows but the highlight was the Simmental stock bull, Starline Marquis, which was male champion and reserve overall at the Royal Highland Show in 2006.

Jim retired in 2009, but his final work was at the Hurdcott dispersal in 2012 alongside his brother, Ian. After this Jim tended his beloved dahlias to fill his time and helped several neighbours with their gardens in Aberlour.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Easton Souter, in October, 2021, and was the much loved father of James, Kenneth, Colin and Moira, and grandfather of Holly, Rosie and Jack. He will be sadly missed by all.