Sir William James Lithgow Bt

With the recent death of Sir William Lithgow of Ormsary, the Highland Cattle Society has lost one of its longest established and most successful breeders. Sir William was a very supportive lifetime member of the society and was very proud of both the Ormsary fold, which was established in 1945, and the Inver fold on the Isle of Jura formed shortly after.

Sir William Lithgow of Ormsary

The Carsaig fold was added to the Lithgow folds in 1984, when Sir William gifted two in calf heifers to his wife Lady Lithgow. Sir William was always delighted when there was success in the show or sale ring by any of the three folds.

He was very much of the opinion that Highland cows should be on the hills and, as such, all the cows were fed on the low hill in winter and grazing the high tops in the summer months. He loved to visit when he could and enjoyed sharing his thoughts with the many visitors who came to Ormsary over the years to view the cattle.

Throughout his life, Sir William was an original thinker and brought many innovative ideas to modernise and improve both his rural and industrial business interests, which included shipbuilding, farming, forestry, aquaculture, and, more recently, renewable energy.

Sir William Lithgow is survived by his wife Lady Lithgow, his daughter Kate, sons James and John, and six grandchildren. He was laid rest in the Ormsary graveyard overlooking the sea, which was an integral part of his life. He will be much missed.

Archie McArthur