The Underwater
Sure Shot

Iona Colquhoun, Duchess of Argyll, carried forward the clan's adventurous spirit with a rare combination of elegance, independence and quiet determination.

Raised on the shores of Loch Lomond as the daughter of Sir Ivar Colquhoun, her early life was shaped by the freedoms and demands of the landscape, learning fieldcraft, endurance and self-reliance at a time when such pursuits were rarely expected of young women.

A gifted rifle shot, she competed internationally and became renowned for approaching deer stalking with both remarkable skill and deep respect for the natural world. Her passion for the outdoors reflected a lifelong connection with the Highlands.

Beyond the hilltops, Iona embraced pursuits that were equally unconventional. An accomplished embroiderer and enthusiastic scuba diver, she moved effortlessly between tradition and adventure, feeling as much at home beneath the sea as she did among the glens and lochs.

In public life she continued to break new ground, becoming the first female Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich. Her legacy is one of confidence, curiosity and determination, embodying the enduring spirit of Clan Colquhoun across land and sea.

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