Scottish agriculture has lost one of its finest gentlemen in Charles Malcolm Coubrough, Tintoside Farm, Lanarkshire.

Malcolm as he was known, could never be described as flamboyant, he was not one to ever show off or knowingly seek the limelight.

He did, however, have a certain presence and a way of conducting himself which engendered respect and liking in all those who met him. He always maintained a very high standard in both his business life and in his personal life. Scrupulously honest in all his dealings, he treated everyone with the same courtesy and respect.

Malcolm was born in Glasgow on June 22, 1946 and brought up at Cransley, Douglas, along with elder sister Hazel. School for Malcolm was at Douglas Primary followed by two years at prep school in Moffat and finally to Strathallan boarding school. He was a diligent and conscientious student but confessed in later years that he did not really enjoy boarding with its emphasis on sporting activities which was not really his thing.

On leaving Strathallan he enrolled in an agricultural course run by SRC in Blythswood Square and on completion, was awarded the silver medal for the best student.

Sadly, Malcolm’s father Charlie died when Malcolm was 17 and so on finishing his education he was plunged straight into running the family business. Manorhead was rented by the Coubrough family way back in 1894 with the tenancy of Whelphill added in 1918. Through time both farms were purchased along with several others.

Malcolm joined Lanark and District YFC and fully enjoyed all that the YF movement has to offer. He served as an office bearer in Lanark club and also a term as Lanarkshire chairman. He was an accomplished public speaker and always performed well in speech making competitions. The activity which he probably enjoyed most was performing in the annual concerts and talent spots. His persona changed completely when he got on stage – he had a beautiful singing voice which rightfully earned him top billing and solo spots. Later on in his life, Malcolm found his love of singing again in the Farmers’ choir. The choir was an important part of Malcolm’s life with him enjoying both performing and socialising with other members.

Malcolm married Ella Templeton, Ayrshire in September, 1972, which was described as a match made in heaven. Their marriage was indeed happy and loving with three children, Malcolm, Stuart and Jean. This year would also have been their golden wedding anniversary.

He had a strong sense of community and served on various committees over the years. While newly married and living in Crawford he became a local councillor attending to village affairs.

He was a director of Lawrie and Symington and also the Highland Show for a good number of years. His longest serving position was probably on the local Abington Show committee.

Malcolm was also for many years, steward in charge of the horses and ponies. He did this with his usual brisk efficiency but all who knew him well, were aware that he was not comfortable among equines and in fact actively disliked them.

He joined Douglas Curling Club and found a sport that he really enjoyed. The club curling atmosphere with no one taking themselves too seriously, suited him just fine. In later years when Ella and Malcolm moved to Tintoside they began playing with Coulter CC. His favourite leisure pastime was however shooting and he enjoyed many a shooting trip away with friends and family.

Malcolm was a traditional sheep farmer with strong values for hill sheep and nature. He was also quietly proud that the hill tops that he bought from the forestry company because they were too high to plant on for £50/acre are now the family's highest earning areas of the business. And, while the family has enjoyed increased success selling Blackface tups in the last few years, he was always happier selling a good pen of Blackface wedders through the market or watching Huntlyhill or Hartside store cattle going through the ring.

Malcolm Coubrough lived his life well and left a fantastic legacy not only in material terms but more importantly the example of how to live life with integrity.

He was modestly but immensely proud of his own children and his grand-children and keeping up with all their news and exploits kept him fighting over the past months.

The family took great comfort knowing that he passed away peacefully with his wife Ella by his side.