JAMES STOBO CBE, DL, FRAgS
1934-2023
Jimmy Stobo passed away recently at home in his 89th year. His herd of Aberdeen Angus was established in the 1950’s, at Fishwick, Berwickshire, under the prefix Tweedside. The herd had notable successes with bulls at Perth Bull Sales, but was also noted for its SNFSC and Smithfield champion “Highland Princess” in 1956. This Shorthorn x Angus heifer sold for a record price for her time, £1600 gns.
The Tweedside herd would later co-own the imported Sunset Acres Bang with Elizabeth Bayne Jardine before he was sold to David Walker, Galcantry. Jimmy derived much pleasure from his stock, both Aberdeen Angus, crossbred cattle and Border Leicester Sheep. He honed his stockmanship skills as a keen member of Ednam Young Farmers Club, and was a supporter of the Young Farmers Club structure all his days.
Another skill which Jimmy developed during his YF days was speechmaking, for which he went on to use in the many agricultural organisations in which he was part of. His well rounded knowledge of agriculture and business led him to rise to the top of many organisations over his career, most notably NFU President, The Royal Smithfield Club, SQBLA (now QMS) Chairman, Aberdeen Angus President (twice), John Hogarth and Sons, Longridge Towers School, Moredun Foundation, to name a few.
Perhaps most important to Jimmy however, would be his position as one of the first 4 trustees of the newly formed (1996) Castle of May Trust, having been personally selected by Her Majesty. This association with The Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Castle of Mey Trust lasted well into later life, and fit exceptionally well as Jimmy was an ardent Royalist. Later in life, Jimmy retired to Nabdean, just along the road from Fishwick, and cultivated his business career helping many people and organisations, while also maintaining his by then reduced herd of Aberdeen Angus, and until relatively recently his flock of Border Leicesters.