Sir Iain Colquhoun

 Sir Iain Colquhoun was a leader shaped by instinct and duty. Assuming great responsibility at just 23, he brought a fearlessness that would define his wartime efforts. In the trenches, his reputation bordered on the legendary; the tale of a pet lion accompanying him into danger captures something essential of his character — audacious, unconventional, and unafraid.

His boldness was matched by compassion. On Christmas Day 1915, he permitted a brief, unofficial pause in hostilites, an act of quiet resistance and profound shared humanity. In his diary, Sir Iain wrote, ‘At night, the Germans put up fairy lights on their parapets and their trenches were outlined for miles on either side... and the prettiest sight I have ever seen.’

His military achievements were considerable too, earning the Distinguished Service Order, rising to Lieutenant Colonel while serving through Ypres and the Somme. Sir Iain also participated in an expedition to the North Pole and was noted for swimming in the loch and then seen striding through the village in just his kilt post-swim.

As a final fitting tribute the pipe lament ‘The Laird of Luss’ was penned in his honour.