51AVÊÓƵ

Breed societies and farmers have paid tribute to a ‘stalwart' farming figure, Helen ‘Maimie' Paterson, who died on Sunday, July 27.

Aged 77, she died at home in Dunblane following a ‘short illness'.

Ms Paterson had previously served as president of the Beltex Sheep Society, chair of the National Sheep Association and as a council member of the British Blue Cattle Society.

She also held the position of vice-president of the Royal Highland Show for 2023/24.

READ NOW:ÌýOPINION: #farm24 is a chance for farmers to be heard and to show the public what they deliver

The Beltex Sheep Society said her passing represented a ‘significant loss to the livestock industry'.

"Maimie was a remarkable woman who offered guidance, advice, and unwavering support to many across the agricultural community.

"She will be sorely missed, and we are incredibly grateful for the immense contributions she made to the society over many years."

Ms Paterson was recognised for her contributions to the sheep industry in 2018, having been awarded NSA Scotland's Silver Salver award.

Scottish sheep sector

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker paid tribute to her unwavering commitment to the Scottish sheep sector, calling her 'almost impossible to replace.'

"We have lost someone whose passion and energy for sheep farming in Scotland will be almost impossible to replace."

He highlighted her long-standing involvement with NSA Scotland, where she held roles including Treasurer and Vice Chair, and played a key part in organising events such as NSA Scotsheep, Highlandsheep, and the Royal Highland Show.

"If her passion for sheep was surpassed by any other interest, it was for young people in the industry, and of course her family.

"Maimie was a challenging character and would always call a spade a spade, never afraid to raise difficult questions or to criticise, and she was respected for that.

"Her passing is a big loss for the industry and for NSA, but there is a lot to celebrate and be thankful for all that she contributed.Ìý Our thoughts are with her family and close friends at this time."

READ NOW:ÌýSheep Special: Quality breeding stock the cornerstone of Northumberland family farm

Auchenlay

Operating under the herd name Auchenlay at Upper Auchenlay Farm, which she established with her husband Robert, Ms Paterson was also a renowned breeder of British Blue cattle.

Announcing the death of its ‘long-serving' council member, the British Blue Cattle Society thanked her for her ‘many years of involvement'.

"[We] are truly saddened to share the news of Maimie Paterson's passing.

"Maimie has been a stalwart of the agricultural industry for many years.

"Her contributions to the society and to the wider farming community were considerable and well-recognised.

The society said her death would leave ‘a vacuum that can never be filled.'

"We are deeply indebted to Maimie."

LISTEN NOW: Farming in Five