A memorial service is to be held in Kirriemuir Old Parish Church on Saturday January 20 to celebrate the life of Lt Colonel Andrew Houstoun OBE MC DL.
The former vice Lord Lieutenant of Angus died recently at the age of 95.
A distinguished former soldier and one-time convener of the Scottish Landowners Federation, he and his wife Mary lived at Lintrathen, near Kirriemuir, for over 60 years during which time he played a full part in community life including a spell as education convener of Angus Council.
Andrew Houstoun was born at Sachel Court in West Sussex and attended a local preparatory school and then Harrow.
A place at Oxford University was a possibility but instead he chose a career in the army attending Sandhurst before joining the Royal Dragoons. He served in North Africa, Italy and Northern Europe.
Twice wounded, his leadership qualities and courage were recognised with the award of a Military Cross in 1946. He also served on the War Crimes Commission before joining the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry as adjutant in 1949.
It was during his time in Fife that he met his bride-to-be, Mary Spencer-Nairn. By then carrying the rank of Major, he re-joined the Royal Dragoons for service in Egypt and Germany.
In 1956 the couple moved to Cairnhall, near Lintrathen, where they began what was to become a successful career in farming.
He re-joined the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel before serving as its commander until he retired fully from the army in 1965.
Lt Col Houstoun’s interest in rural politics began with a spell as president of Forfar branch of the NFU Scotland and continued with a long involvement with The Scottish Landowners Federation which he eventually led as its convener.
His work with SLF was recognised with the award of an OBE in 1983.
He was appointed vice Lord Lieutenant of Angus in 1986 at a time when the Lord Lieutenant , Lord Airlie, was heavily involved in duties in London.
In later years the Houstouns lived at Kirkhill, Lintrathen where they created a notable garden which they opened on occasion for charity.
Lt Col Houston is survived by his wife Mary, their four sons, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The memorial on January 20 begins at 12 noon.
