Balnagown estate owner Mohamed Al Fayed warmly remembered for support of Royal Burgh of Tain Pipe Band
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THE death of a billionaire businessman who forged strong links with Easter Ross and Sutherland has been lamented in the north.
Mohamed Al Fayed, whose family said that he had died "peacefully" at the age of 94, bought Balnagown Castle in Easter Ross back in 1972, investing heavily in its renovation.
The former Harrods and Fulham Football Club owner was known for supporting a number of local causes in the Highlands, amongst them the Royal Burgh of Tain Pipe Band.
In a tribute posted this evening, the band said: "The Royal Burgh of Tain Pipe Band are saddened to hear of the passing of Mohamed Al Fayed.
"He was very supportive when the band was re-established in the early 1990s. He funded new drums and uniforms in the red Ross tartan which is also the tartan of the nearby Balnagown Castle, where he resided when in Scotland.
"He also hosted the band at Harrods in London to entertain shoppers on the run up to Christmas 15 years ago. He would on occasions attend the Christmas lights and fireworks at the Harrods of the North at Shin Falls and invite the band to play.
"He was always generous and took time to meet all of the band especially the younger players. He was pivotal in the rejuvenation of the band and he will be remembered for this."
Mr Al Fayed died on Wednesday and has been interred at Barrow Green Court in Surrey. His son, Dodi, was re-interred on the estate two months after the fatal crash that killed him and Princess Diana in August 1997.
The Al Fayed family have been guardians of the castle and estate and its heritage since 1972. The estate says on its official website that the restoration started when Mr Al Fayed fell in love with the property on a visit to the area.
"Since then, the family have carefully restored the Grade-B listed castle and formal gardens to their former glory. The Al Fayed family care deeply about Balnagown and the surrounding area and have been playing an active and supportive role in the local community for 50 years."
