Scotland lost one of its most talented and dedicated agricultural journalists with the passing of former Guild member Douglas MacSkimming at the age of 84.
In an obituary published by The Scottish Farmer, business and technical editor Patsy Hunter recalls that as a boy his early ambition was to become a sports commentator, reading aloud the sports section reports with a keen sense that newspapers would become “his life”, as Douglas put it.
His career in journalism spanned 52 years, his first job upon leaving school being at his local ‘paper, the Helensburgh Advertiser, before going on to spend a total of 35 years with The Scottish Farmer, with stints between times working with The Scotsman in Edinburgh, the Daily Express when it still had a presence in Glasgow, and Farmers Weekly.
His early days with The Scottish Farmer began in 1961 in the days of clattering typewriters, the shorthand notebook, outdoor telephone boxes and phoning-in copy to meet deadlines.
Great friendships were formed throughout his working years at the Scottish farming weekly and beyond, enjoying great camaraderie especially with fellow members of the Guild, whose annual Burns’ Supper gatherings were the great social highlight of the year.
He also loved to entertain and was often the life and soul of office parties when turning up his collar for an Elvis impression.
As for his work ethic, former SF editor, Alasdair Fletcher, described Douglas as “easily the best investigative journalist I ever had the pleasure of working with; if anyone had something to hide, he would seek them out!”
Douglas took official retirement at 65, but continued working on a freelance basis part time at The Scottish Farmer until well into his 70s, claiming to be the oldest working farm journalist at the oldest farming publication.
He continued writing his Face to Face articles with the same enthusiasm as before, interviewing and challenging so many notable worthies in the farming industry, while continuing to to give talks on farming, described as “passionate, enthusiastic and well received” by his local Probus club in Lockerbie.
Douglas passed away peacefully in April at home after a short illness.
