MORAY IS MOURNING the loss of a member of one of the most respected business families in the region with the passing of David Urquhart.
Mr Urquhart, 63, lost his fight against cancer on Monday and died at his home in Findhorn.
David Urquhart helped build the Gordon and Macphail drinks business into a global leader – but it was his love for Moray and desire to promote the region for which he will be most remembered.
He was at the heart of the ambitious move to bring the European Pipe Band Championships to Moray and its subsequent phenomenal success, while he offered a great deal of support to other businesses most notably through his chairmanship of Elgin BID.
“David Urquhart was much loved and will be sorely missed by many people given the enormous contribution he made to business and community life in Moray,” Richard Lochhead MSP said last night.
He added: “He leaves behind a rich, lasting legacy having played a crucial role in so many projects – for instance in Elgin in the early days of the Business Improvement District and in Forres by bringing the European Pipe Band championship to the town.
“I had the privilege to work with David over the years and see at first hand his incredible enthusiasm and passion for so many local causes. Of course, as a member of the Urquhart family, he helped create the success Gordon & MacPhail enjoys today and was a key figure for many years in the Scotch Whisky sector.
“Most of all he was a family man and I offer my deepest condolence to his family and many friends.”
Angus Robertson MP added that Mr Urquhart had made a “huge contribution” throughout his life and expressed his sympathy to family and friends.
He said: “David has worked extremely hard in his lifetime to grow the family business of Gordon & MacPhail and to support other local businesses – most recently through his chairmanship of Elgin BID.
“He has been a great ambassador for Moray both at home and abroad and he was at the heart of community projects such as the Pipe Band Championships.
“He will be sorely missed by many people and I share my heartfelt condolences.”