Lt-Col John Moncrieff of Kinmonth

LT-COL John Moncrieff of Kinmonth, who has died aged 83, served with the Black Watch with much distinction for 30 years. He saw active service in several politically-demanding overseas missions demonstrating much diplomatic sensitivity. He carried out his duties with a dedicated authority and in the Black Watch archives there is a comment that reads: "Colonel Moncrieff was a hard-working, loyal and conscientious officer."

His work on behalf of the Episcopal Church in Scotland was far-reaching but done in an undemonstrative and modest manner. Col Moncrieff, an enthusiastic Munroist, attended morning service on the Sunday of a climb and then, on "bagging" a hill, wrote to the Episcopal Church thanking them for their spiritual benefit, enclosing a donation. The Very Rev Hunter Farquharson, the Provost of Perth Cathedral, said in his eulogy, "John was a gentleman, a man of kindness, love and generosity."

John Graham Moncrieff was the son of Col Douglas Moncrieff MC and brought up at Kinmonth House. His father, whose original surname was Wright, was recognised by the Lord Lyon in 1946 "in the name of Moncrieff of Kinmonth". Col Moncrieff attended Belhaven Hill and Eton before, in 1947, joining the Black Watch after Sandhurst.

He joined the 1st battalion in Germany and then trained at Crail for the Korean War where he served in the Intelligence Corps, being mentioned in Despatches. He remained with the Corps throughout his time in Kenya when the Mau Mau troubles were at their worst. He was awarded a medal and clasp. Staff appointments followed along with postings in Aden, Singapore and Gibraltar. His final appointment was as Acting Colonel at Southern Division Headquarters United Kingdom Land Forces.

He met his future wife Sue while skiing in Austria and they were married in London in 1966 – on the day that England won the World Cup.

In 1977 he retired from the Army to manage the arable farm in Perthshire and sheep farm in Sutherland. But it was the charity work that he performed throughout Scotland that gained him a wider respect.

He worked tirelessly on behalf the Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) in Perth. Its manager, Brian Cowie, remembers Moncrieff with a very special pleasure. "John's work at CATH was very hands-on and constructive: his volunteering, financial assistance and, when we moved, storing many of our items, were all done with a generous spirit. He was always sympathetic and understanding and much respected and liked by all the staff."

He also supported the University of the Highlands and Islands and was an active member of the Order Of St John, the Scout movement – acting as Commissioner for Perth and Kinross – and an Ambassador for Girl Guiding. He served on the council of Glenalmond College in the early 1990s and, as a parting gift, made a substantial donation to the Sixth Form Club (now known as the Moncrieff Centre).

He worked on behalf of many religious charities, especially the National Prayer Breakfasts and the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy. His wife, Sue, recalls the pleasure and hard work of organising the annual gatherings for prayer and bible study at Kinmonth – affectionately known as the Kinmonth Retreat.

Climbing remained an abiding passion throughout his life – along with skiing and shooting. He had climbed the Matterhorn in his youth and was 73 when he completed all 284 Munros. He was a member of the Royal Company of Archers since 1961.

Col Moncrieff is survived by his wife and their son and daughter.