Page 134 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

142 EAGLE AND CARBINE
most notably Thirlestane Castle Trust of which he was
latterly chairman.
He joined the Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland (The Royal Company of Archers) in 1969, and, as a member, he formed part of the ceremonial guard for the Lying- in-State of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002. He was later appointed an Officer in the Royal Company. He was also a member of The Royal Caledonian Hunt of which he was variously Councillor, Preses and Treasurer.
Throughout his life Alexander was a dedicated family man who was supported and encouraged by his wonderful wife Julia. Their marriage was a
Johnny Trotter
Johnny died, aged 74, on 21 August 2022, as the result of a tragic accident at MORDINGTON whilst undertaking maintenance work at the farm buildings. He was always one to set an example and lead from the front with only the highest standards expected and accepted. He was brought up at the family home
CHARTERHALL in Berwickshire, the youngest of three children. His elder brother, Alexander, who was in the Scots Greys, was born before the 1939-1945 war, followed by his sister Fiona and then Johnny who came after the war, on 12 May 1948. Johnny’s great interest and knowledge of the countryside and it’s pursuits stem from those early days.
He was commissioned into the regiment in 1967 and joined A Sqn Scots Greys as 4th Troop Leader in Fallingbostel in Centurion tanks. A Sqn then went to Sharjah in armoured cars, and this was followed by a tour with D Sqn in Nicosia, Cyprus as part of the UN Peacekeeping Force. They returned home to Edinburgh for amalgamation with the 3rd Carabiners to form the new regiment The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. After amalgamation he undertook a tour in Northern Ireland as a troop leader in scout cars based at Gosforth Castle, followed by a return to the British Army on the Rhine (BAOR). When they left Cyprus to return to Edinburgh for amalgamation, he persuaded the Sqn SQMS that he should have the regimental flag when they departed Gleneagles camp, and this was always hoisted at MORDINGTON for shoot days and all other important occasions.
loving and wonderful partnership for over 52 years. He adored his three sons and five grandchildren. An excellent sportsman who excelled at sports from skiing to fishing, hunting and shooting to golf and driving Formula 3 racing cars, he was also a truly remarkable friend and counsellor to very many people who were privileged to know him.
Alexander Trotter died at home on 3 August 2022 surrounded by his family, having lived a long, contented and fulfilled life, loved and admired by many, and devoted to his family, his home and his country.
Johnny left the army in 1974. He loved his time in the regiment and made many lifelong friends, never happier than when with his ex-brother officers whom he entertained extensively, lavishly and with great generosity whether it be shooting, boating, playing golf, fishing or holidaying. I once heard him described as the best shot in the Borders of Scotland, and indeed he was. In 1975 he married Julia Crombie, a devoted wife to him, supportive and fully involved in all aspects of his life. Mother of his three children Thomas, Victoria and Harry. His first family home was Channelkirk near Lauder.
In 1976 he had his own garden centre at Mortonhall on the outskirts of Edinburgh which he sold in 1988 to join Dobbies at Melville Nurseries, Dalkeith, where he remained as Operations Director until the business was acquired by Tesco in 2008. His wide experience of all aspects of the garden centre trade and man management skills were acknowledged and respected. After retirement from Dobbies, he started a new career as a garden designer undertaking various commissions throughout the United Kingdom. His extensive knowledge of trees, shrubs and plants, acquired over many years, enabled him to design or redesign some lovely gardens with considerable flair and imagination. He had a natural ability to get on well with both his clients and those that worked in their gardens and of course he always led by example.
MORDINGTON House and farm was bought in 1986 and ten years later a further 100 acres of upland pasture on Mordington Hill was added. It was remarkable what he achieved in the early years, planning and planting new woods on the farm, mainly on the higher ground, planting many double mixed native hedgerows, digging new ponds both ornamental and natural, creating a garden around the main house with