Considered to be an inspirational individual, hard work was second nature to Brownlie Gillon.

From meagre beginnings, he built up a hugely successful Lime Spreading business at Eassie, support by a reliable workforce, alongside a substantial farming operation, firstly at Auchrannie, Glen Isla, and then moving on to Arnbathie, Scone, whilst retaining additional land at Glendoick.

The early years, the 1960’s, he would spread the Lime, drill the grass-seed, lift the neeps as well as reclaiming the land. Farmers were only one phone call away from ensuring the work was done, reliably and efficiently at a very reasonable price.

Lime was his business, but livestock was his passion. He would fatten up to 2500 lambs annually alongside hugely varying numbers of cattle. He would disappear for the day and head over to the West Coast and return with an artic load of cattle, taking great comfort in coming home with a 'bargain'.

For many years alongside his farms, he routinely took grazing and housing to help build the business. Often his truck would be seen in the distance, parked-up as he walked round his livestock, culminating in a wee nap, before heading back to the office.

He was never too fond of modern technology, but he would have to admit a mobile phone came in very handy for emergencies like rallying the troops to help gather in the cattle and sheep that may have accidentally gone 'walk about'.

Latterly, he admitted IT had its place as he could watch, in the comfort of his own home, the livestock auctions; the bull sales; the football live; the Olympics; the snooker and indeed chat face to face with family many miles away.

He was indeed a man of many miles. Born in New Zealand in 1930, a second son, he came to Scotland, home of his parents, some two years later, his childhood being spent at Mains of Pitcairns, Dunning.

He then went to work Worcestershire where he met Audrey, his beloved wife of almost 60 years, who passed away in 2011. They came to Scotland in 1952, living back in Dunning, moving to Eassie and then to Meigle.

'Hard working and fair', this 92-year-old gentleman will be missed by so many, especially his children, Jackie, Christine and Howard, along with Aubin, Mark and Nadine.