The Society was saddened to learn of the passing of Sandy Grant, a founder member of the Society and the Society’s first secretary on its formation in 1974.
Sandy was working with the Scottish Agricultural College and had previously been farm manager at the University of Dublin and was the man who was asked the question at Lanark Market which kick started the original importations of the breed ‘How could Scotland produce a better quality of lamb to rival that of the Continental Market?’.
Sandy went on to make the initial approaches to the relevant authorities regarding the prospect of importing Texels to then UK and was the Society’s secretary from 1974 to 1980.
He later penned the Society’s 21st Anniversary history book, recalling the trials and tribulations associated with the early importations and the initial success of the breed as it quickly found favour among the UK industry.
In a letter congratulating the Society on its 50th anniversary last year Sandy said the formation of the Society and the resultant success of the breed had been one of the proudest achievements of his lifetime.
Society chief executive John Yates said both the Society and the wider UK industry owed Sandy a debt of gratitude for his role in bringing Texels to the UK. “Alongside the farmers who initially imported the breed, after several false starts, Sandy was the beating heart of bringing the breed to UK shores and in ensuring the Texel name was quickly recognised among the industry.”
A service of celebration of Sandy’s life will take place at Lochmaben Parish Church at 12 noon on Thursday 29th May.