Community pays its respects as farming stalwart is laid to rest
The farming community throughout Mid Argyll is mourning the passing of a long-serving and much-loved supporter.
The funeral of Alan Green, honorary president of the Mid Argyll Agricultural Society, was held in Ardrishaig Parish Church on July 29.
“Alan had been connected with the agricultural society for more than 50 years,” past president of the show Willie Smith said.
He added: “He was a committee member, treasurer and then secretary of the show. He really was a tremendous asset to the society.”
The 84-year-old’s funeral was very well attended in the village which had held a special place in Alan’s heart and was where he felt most at home, according to his daughter Emily Green.
She and her sister Gillian were brought up in Ardrishaig, interspersed with spells abroad when Alan’s work took the family to Bahrain and then Saudi Arabia.
When he returned full-time to Scotland Alan managed the Gleaner Oils depot in Ardrishaig before ending his career at the age of 75 working for the NHS at Mid Argyll Hospital.
“Dad had the chance to live permanently abroad,” explained Emily, “but always wanted Argyll to be his home. Even when he was working in Bahrain, we kept the house in Ardrishaig and always came home for Christmas and holidays.”
Born and brought up in Glasgow, Alan moved to Lochgilphead in the 1970s with his wife, Thelma, the daughter of Lochgilphead High School headteacher James Stewart.
Alan and Thelma had met on a blind date at a Bank of Scotland dance and initially bought a house in Kirkintilloch before moving to Thelma’s home town.
The couple set up home in Drimlea on Cossack Street and Alan began working at the town’s Bank of Scotland. In the mid-80s they moved to Kames, Lochgair.
“Alan gave many years of service to the show,” Willie added. “The society will remain ever grateful for all of his work and support over the years.”
In acknowledgement of this service, Alan was awarded the office of Honorary President of the Mid Argyll Show, a tribute that he very much appreciated.
“He was so thrilled and always wore his badge with pride when he went to the show,” Emily said. “I think in his head he would have loved to have been a farmer; he absolutely loved being involved with the farming community.”
Emily describes her father as having been ‘soft as butter’, adding: “He was so gentle and kind, yet so mischievous; you had to keep an eye on him!
“At the funeral I told a story about the time Dad was told that our family dog had been knocked down and was injured.
"He went to collect this dog, took it to the vet and begged him to do everything possible to save it. It turns out it wasn’t our dog, but Dad paid all the vet fees nonetheless!”
A collection was taken at the funeral for the charities Water Aid and Smile Train.
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
No photos on the pier!
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.