Born: 13 June, 1912, in London.
Died: 29 September, 2008, at Ballogie, Aberdeenshire, aged 96.
COLONEL John Nicol of Ballogie distinguished himself in military action in France in 1944, when, following action shortly after D-Day at Mont Pincon,
west of Caen, as CO of the 7th Somerset Light Infantry, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for courageous leadership.
Ballogie was a characterful Deeside laird with a lifelong spark in his eye, and for whom existence was a joyful experience. He made up for modest physical stature with personality, wit and endless charm.
His creative side coped easily with the switch from the military to managing an estate, though suitable apparel provided an altogether different challenge. Unsatisfied with the traditional knickerbocker plus-fours, he and his tailor in nearby Tarland put their heads together and developed breeches with cut, pockets and fastenings to his own exacting standards – a garment that achieved local fame as "Nicolbockers".
Towards the end of his life, he confounded fashion by donning a favourite green boiler suit as favoured wear for comfort. It became his minor trademark, even making an appearance at evensong in Christ Church, Kincardine O'Neil.
James Nicol of Badentoy in Kincardineshire became first laird of Ballogie and built the present house of Ballogie to replace the old mansion of Tillysnacht. John Wilmot Nicol, 4th of Ballogie was born John Warner, second son of Sir George Warner, a one-time envoy to Switzerland, and his wife, Margery Nicol. Through a family arrangement he succeeded to Ballogie on the death of his uncle, Randall Nicol, 3rd of Ballogie.
The young John knew Deeside and the family home of Ballogie well enough, and proved a popular laird. He had a special attachment for the Aboyne Gathering, and he was its oldest patron. From his days as a schoolboy at Oundle he maintained a lifelong interest in encouraging youngsters – and this love of youth combined with support for local piping saw him made honorary president of Bucksburn & District Pipe Band in 1963.
He was a member of the Royal Northern and University Club in Aberdeen for more than 66 years, with club records suggesting that he was the longest-serving member ever.
Serious illness early this year did nothing to dissuade him from returning to involvement in his local community once he had recovered. In his regular visits to the local old people's care home at Allanburn, he personified his motto of Fidele (Faithfully).
Always a contented man, he died in his own bed, predeceased by his wife, Diana, née Finn, and survived by his sons, Randall, Andrew and Malcolm; and grandchildren.
GORDON CASELYThe full article contains 449 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
