The 10th Duke of Roxburghe has died, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Guy Innes Ker died peacefully at his family’s ancestral home, Floors Castle, near Kelso, in the Scottish Borders.
He is survived by Virginia, the Duchess of Roxburghe, five children and five grandchildren. The Duke’s eldest son, Charles, the Marquis of Bowmont, will succeed his father as the 11th Duke of Roxburghe.
The family said in a statement: ‘We are all deeply saddened that the Duke has lost his battle with an illness he fought with great courage and determination. He was a wonderful and loving husband to Virge and devoted father to Rosie, Charlie, Ted, Bella and George and it is a desperate loss to us all.
‘His family meant so much to him and he was always there to offer love, guidance and support. He really was a Corinthian figure who was a great sportsman, a passionate fisherman who made a huge contribution to fisheries management on the River Tweed and a successful businessman who modernised and turned Roxburghe Estates into the successful business it is today.
‘He took particular pride in seeing the work he and Virge had undertaken to establish Floors Castle and Gardens as one of the premier visitor attractions in Scotland. He derived enormous success and enjoyment from racing and the thoroughbred stud at Floors including breeding the first double Classic winner Attraction in the early 2000s.
‘We know he will be missed by so many in different spheres in particular by those staff and farm tenants on the Roxburghe Estates.
‘We are extremely grateful for the outstanding medical care the Duke received at the Brompton Hospital in London and at home by the Borders palliative care team led by Dr Miller and supported by the Scottish Nursing Guild.’
David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: ‘Everyone in the land business community will be deeply saddened that the Duke of Roxburghe has finally lost his battle with cancer – an illness he fought with great courage and determination.
‘Guy Roxburghe was a driving force in the modernisation of land ownership in Scotland. He was passionate about all aspects of the rural sector and was determined to make Roxburghe Estates a shining example of a modern estate business.
‘He made many friends during his remarkable life and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.’
There will be a private family funeral and a memorial service to be announced in due course.
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