Orkney farmer leaves £400K to farming charity in will
Charles (Charlie) Gorn, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 82, bequeathed £470,000 from his estate to RSABI, the charity that supports people in Scotland's farming and crofting sectors.
Gorn, who farmed at Weddell near Holm, left around half of his estate to RSABI, with the remainder going to various cancer support charities.
READ MORE: Scottish soft fruit farms report impressive yield increases for 2025
Known locally for his quiet generosity and lifelong dedication to farming, Gorn's gift is one of the largest donations in RSABI's history.
Carol McLaren, chief executive of the charity, said: 'It was humbling to hear how Charlie came to support RSABI in such an extraordinary way.'
'His kindness will allow us to help many in the farming community during difficult times.'
'We are extremely grateful to Charlie for recognising the value of the work we do and choosing to kindly gift a significant part of his lifetime savings to support the charity.'
Born and raised in Holm, Gorn left Orkney as a young man to work as a stockman on Sir Torquil Munro's Perthshire estate.
Charlie Gorn in his younger years (Image: Muckle Media) There, he developed a lasting passion for Aberdeen-Angus cattle, working with the famed Lindertis herd and earning great respect in the agricultural community.
READ MORE: Former rugby player to take on world-record swim with Scottish Canals
Encouraged early on to plan for the future, he began saving and investing, a decision that would ultimately allow him to build a successful farming life.
After a period working in Aberdeenshire in the plant and machinery sector, Gorn returned to [[Orkney]] in the 1970s.
He began farming at Weddell and eventually purchased the land, expanding his enterprise over the years.
He remained devoted to Aberdeen-Angus cattle and even travelled to Australia to visit breeders and share knowledge.
A regular on the show circuit, Gorn won numerous trophies, many of which he later donated to the local agricultural society.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Renewables and fossil fuels not ‘either-or', says Reeves after Trump comments
On a visit to Lossiemouth on the North Sea coast in Moray, the Chancellor described oil and gas as 'incredibly important for the UK and our energy security'. Her appearance in Scotland followed a five-day visit from the US president, who called on the UK Government to 'incentivise the drillers, fast'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said 'oil and gas is going to play an important role in our energy mix for decades to come' (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'North Sea oil is a treasure chest for the United Kingdom. 'The taxes are so high, however, that it makes no sense.' Asked whether she would 'unlock' the 'treasure chest', Ms Reeves told the PA news agency: 'Oil and gas are incredibly important for the UK and our energy security. 'And oil and gas is going to play an important role in our energy mix for decades to come. 'It's why, alongside the private sector, we're investing in carbon capture and storage, which is absolutely essential for supporting energy intensive industries. 'But it's not either-or. 'At the same time, we're investing in clean homegrown energy, including at Berwick Bank in Scotland, which will create thousands of new jobs and power millions of homes. 'And that's what we need to do to make sure that our economy has this energy security that we need, that we bring down bills and bring more good jobs to Scotland.' US President Donald Trump was critical of wind farms during his visit to Scotland (Jane Barlow/PA) Berwick Bank in the North Sea has this week received a green light from the Scottish Government. The proposed wind farm, off the coast of East Lothian, could add more than 4.1 gigawatts of capacity, which according to developer SSE Renewables is enough electricity to power more than six million homes annually. But Mr Trump criticised existing wind farms during his visit, when he said: 'When we go to Aberdeen, you'll see some of the ugliest windmills you've ever seen, the height of a 50-storey building.' Gesturing with his hands, he added: 'You can take 1,000 times more energy out of a hole in the ground this big.' Conservative shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling for a review of policies affecting the oil and gas industry. 'As President Trump has said, the UK's 'very high' tax on oil and gas companies is a deterrent to investment,' he wrote. Following his flying visit to Aberdeenshire with President Trump earlier this week, I've written to the Prime Minister urging him to heed the calls of all those he met on the EPL, overturn ban on licenses, ensure a future for our region & secure Britain's energy 👇 — Andrew Bowie (@AndrewBowie_MP) August 1, 2025 'The extension of the energy profits levy (EPL), coupled with uncertainty around future licensing and investment signals, has created a climate of instability that threatens jobs, innovation and the region's economic resilience. 'President Donald Trump's remarks during your visit – calling Aberdeen the 'oil capital of Europe' and urging the UK to 'bring it back' – reflect a sentiment shared by many in the region. 'May I urge you to consider the president's call to 'incentivise' domestic production of hydrocarbons? 'Oil and gas still have a vital role to play in our energy mix and economic future; British people would rather see the UK benefit from domestic exploration and drilling than import more from Norway and Qatar.' The West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP added: 'Will you urgently call a meeting in Downing Street to conduct the review in partnership with industry leaders, our world-leading supply chain business, and the local workforce to ensure a coherent and sustainable path forward?'
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's flagship indie beer festival returns to Glasgow with hundreds of beers to try
The festival returns to Glasgow for the third year in a row next month. Scotland's largest celebration of independently brewed beer is set to return to Glasgow this September. Indie Beer Scotland will bring more than a hundred locally made beers, ciders and spirits to the Clyde Rooms at Edmiston House. Running from Friday 5 to Saturday 6, September, 2025, the event marks its third year in Glasgow following a successful debut in Edinburgh in 2022. Organised by brewers from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), the not-for-profit group behind the UK-wide Indie Beer campaign, the festival is expected to draw crowds eager to support genuinely independent producers. This year's festival will be split into three sessions across the weekend, with each offering over 100 different cask and keg beers from across Scotland. Alongside the beer, festivalgoers can enjoy cider and spirits from small-scale Scottish producers, all under one roof. One of the organisers, Ian McGrath of Beath Brewing, says Glasgow has become a key location in the UK's growing independent beer movement. 'We big have plans for Indie Beer festivals across the UK in 2026 but it all started right here in Scotland," he said. "We are hugely proud to be the flagship event for the Indie Beer campaign and to be the festival that showcases the largest number of Scottish beers from independent breweries available anywhere. 'No big brands, no faux-craft, just great beer from genuinely independent Scottish brewers.' In addition to championing local producers, Indie Beer Scotland has built a reputation for offering quality drinks at fair prices. Festival organisers have confirmed that all 2024 pricing will be frozen, with a wide range of beers up to 4.5% ABV available for just £4 a pint. 'We are really proud to offer great value for money and to enable everyone to sample the huge range of cask ales, keg beers and lagers available at Indie Beer Scotland, so have once again frozen our prices, with all beers up to 4.5% available for just £4 a pint,' McGrath added. From crisp lagers and light pale ales to robust scotch ales and rich barrel-aged stouts pushing 10% ABV or more, the selection reflects the diversity of Scotland's independent brewing scene. The festival promises something for every taste, with both session-strength beers and complex, high-ABV styles on offer. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Indie Beer Scotland is also home to the prestigious Indie Beer Awards 2025, with judging taking place just before the festival opens its doors. Attendees will be among the first to sample the newly crowned best beers in Scotland, with all winning brews available throughout the three public sessions. With ticket sales already moving quickly, organisers are encouraging fans of independent drink to secure their spots early. For those keen to discover new favourites and support Scottish brewers, this year's Indie Beer Scotland is set to be a highlight of the calendar. Session Timings: Friday Evening 17.30 – 22.30 Saturday Afternoon 11.30 – 16.30 Saturday Evening 17.30 – 22.30 Beer prices: All beer and cider will be priced at; up to 4.5% = £4 pint/£2 half-pint 4.6% - 6% = £5/£2.50 6.1% - 7.9% = £6/£3 8% or above = £3.50 half
STV News
9 hours ago
- STV News
Alexander Dennis site up for sale amid consultation to close Scottish operations
Alexander Dennis' Falkirk site has been put up for sale as the bus manufacturer consults on proposals to shut Scottish operations. Due to financial concerns, the company is considering moving away from the Larbert location to a single site in Yorkshire, potentially putting 400 jobs at risk. The manufacturers made a 'significant investment' to expand the Falkirk location during 2023 and 2024. The company states although the Larbert location is listed for sale, a 'final decision' is still to be made A spokesperson for Alexander Dennis said: 'This does not represent a foregone conclusion and a final decision has not yet been made. 'We have been honest with stakeholders about the need to address the condition of the Falkirk site for some time, which is why significant investment was made to expand our Larbert site for vehicle manufacturing during 2023 and 2024. 'Alexander Dennis continues to engage with governments in good faith and the company remains committed to exploring all possible outcomes at this time.' STV News Due to financial concerns, the company is considering moving away from the Larbert location to a single site in Yorkshire Fife-based bus manufacturer Greenfold Systems Ltd in Dunfermline has already entered administration and made 81 employees redundant as a knock-on effect of Alexander Dennis' plans to pull out of Scotland. The company employed a total of 90 staff, with nine staying on a short-term basis to complete a customer contract. Finance secretary Shona Robison previously said the Government is committed to looking at 'all viable options' and ministers are working with private bus companies to drum up interest for much-needed orders. She also suggested Alexander Dennis could be forced to pay back money it has been given by the Government's commercial arm Scottish Enterprise for skills and technological development, though it would be for the agency to decide how to proceed. The finance secretary also stressed the issues the Government faces due to UK-wide state aid regulations, which govern the level to which ministers can intervene in private businesses. STV News Alexander Dennis states although the Larbert location is listed for sale, a 'final decision' is still to be made Robison said the Subsidy Control Act does not allow for subsidies which enforce the use of domestically-made goods and services, which would hamper the Scottish Government's efforts to force bus firms to use Alexander Dennis. A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The UK is a global leader in bus manufacturing, and around 60% of buses funded through our zero-emission regional bus programme are being built by UK-based companies, supporting jobs and a greener transport network. 'Alexander Dennis has a strong future in the UK's growing zero-emission bus market. Through the spending review, we have committed £15.6bn to local leaders to boost services and green fleets across the UK. 'We're also giving regional leaders and leading manufacturers a voice on zero-emission plans, through the UK bus manufacturing expert panel, which seeks to put local people at the heart of bus building.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
