ALASDAIR HOUSTON

The British Simmental Cattle Society has been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Alasdair Houston, MBE, DL, FRAgS, of Gretna Green, earlier this week.

A hugely respected and popular figure within agriculture, livestock and the pedigree sector, Alasdair met with great success in the sales and show ring over a sustained period with his noted Charolais and Aberdeen Angus pedigree herds. Earlier this year he was awarded the Sir William Young award for his ‘exceptional contribution to the world of cattle breeding’.

Serving a period as Chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society, and also a period as Chairman of the Board of Harrison & Hetherington, Alasdair was a dynamic individual who coupled his roles in agriculture whilst being a hands-on farmer, and developing his significant and successful business interests in Gretna.

From a Simmental perspective, Alasdair also of course leaves his indelible fingerprint on the history of the breed having bred Gretnahouse Supersonic, a bull who is the second most prolific in the British Simmental herdbook.

On behalf of all members, the Society’s deepest condolences are extended to Lucy, Rafe, and Tara at this sad time.