Lord Palmer: Remembering a supporter and friend

The 4th Baron Palmer, who has died aged 71, was a stalwart supporter of the Countryside Alliance and a key figure in Parliament during the many hours of debate over what is now the Hunting Act. Throughout his time in parliament he has always been there to assist across many issues affecting the rural way of life. His care and concern for the countryside and its communities was evident throughout his life and in the many roles he played in organisations protecting and promoting the rural economy and heritage, especially in Scotland. 

As a young man Palmer was a keen shot. He also rode to hounds and the Berwickshire Hunt hounds were kennelled on the estate at Manderston, his 109-room Edwardian house near Duns, which is said to be the only house in the world with a silver-plated staircase. 

Lord Palmer was a much-loved figure in the Scottish Borders, and used to drive around the grounds and local roads on an electric scooter, cutting an eccentric sight, in summer clad in tatty shorts, a husky jacket and flip-flops. 

Adrian Bailie Nottage Palmer was born on October 8 1951, the son of Colonel Sir Gordon Palmer and his wife Lorna Bailie. 

Palmer was an apprentice at his family's biscuit factory, Huntley and Palmers Ltd, in Reading, and then worked as sales manager in Belgium and Luxembourg. From 1977 to 1986 he was the Scottish representative to the European Landowners' Organisation (ELO). He was member of the Executive Council of the Historic Houses Association from 1981 to 1999, and of the council of the Scottish Landowners' Federation from 1986 to 1992. Between 1989 and 2005, he was also secretary of the Royal Caledonian Hunt. From 1994 and 1999 he was chairman of the Historic Houses Association for Scotland. Palmer was also President of the Palm Tree Silk Company in St Lucia, of the British Association of Biofuels and Oils (BABFO), and of the transport division of the Renewable Energy Authority. He was a member of the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland and between 1994 and 2023 he was chairman of the Country Sports Defence Trust. He was also a member of the Royal Company of Archers.

He is survived by his children, of whom the eldest, Hugo, a racehorse trainer, succeeds him.

The 4th Baron Palmer, born October 8 1951, died July 10 2023.