The Earl of Eglinton and Winton

Financier and countryman

Born: August 27, 1939;

Died: June 14, 2018

THE 18th Earl of Eglinton and the 6th Earl of Winton, who has died aged 78, was the holder of one of the oldest and most historic titles in Scotland. It was created in 1507 and amongst his other titles was hereditary sheriff of Renfrewshire and chief of the Montgomerie clan with title Chief of the Name and Arms of Montgomerie.

For many years he pursued a very successful career in the City of London holding various senior posts in the financial industry.

Archibald George Montgomerie was the son of Archibald William Alexander Montgomerie, 17th Earl of Eglinton, and was educated at Eton. He then went into the City and pursued a career with the leading finance houses of the era.

Firstly, Lord Eglinton worked with the stockbrokers Grieveson Grant where he was the senior dealer in the fixed interest market specialising in short dated gilts. He rose to be a partner by the age of 24 and remained until 1972 when he left to join Gerrard and National, becoming deputy chairman eight years later, and then chairman of Gerrard Vivian Gray from 1992 to 1994.

Later, he was closely connected with the management of funds in Scotland acting as a director of investment trusts including Edinburgh Investment Trust, Hong Kong Investment Trust and Dunedin Income Growth Fund.

He was a keen mason and served as chairman of the board of management of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys and the general committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, and later served as the first president of the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys from 1982 until 1988. He was appointed Senior Grand Warden in the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) in 1971 and Assistant Grand Master in 1989, serving until 1995. He was also the representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in UGLE.

His name was associated with many charities in Scotland and he gave valuable advice as a trustee of Hopeton House. He was particularly active working on behalf of the Atlantic Salmon Trust in their campaign regarding the netting of rivers.

Lord Eglinton was also chairman of Canine Partners in Scotland which trains dogs for disabled people in wheelchairs. Elly Fiddy of the charity told The Herald yesterday, ‘‘Archie was a leading light of Canine Partners in Scotland, and was key in its development in the early years. He was one of the original members of our fundraising committee, and an excellent chair for many years. He gave his all to Canine Partners and supported the charity fantastically in so many different ways. Archie will very fondly remembered.’’

Lord Eglinton was a member of the Royal Company of Archers and a field sports enthusiast – an excellent shot and fisherman. He particularly enjoyed fishing in Sutherland.

He pursued his love of the countryside at his charming turreted home at Balhomie House, north of Perth, It is set in the magnificent Perthshire scenery and has the atmosphere of a traditional Scottish country house. Lord Eglinton much enjoyed the surrounding hills and moors.

Lord Eglinton married Marion Carolina Dunn-Yarker in 1964. She and their four sons survive him. Hugh Archibald William Montgomerie succeeds as 19th Earl of Eglinton and the 7th Earl of Winton.