Sir Archibald Edmonstone of Duntreath, 7th Baronet, passed away at Duntreath Castle early on Saturday 29 August 2026, shortly after his 92nd birthday.
Sir Archibald inherited Duntreath at the age of 21 following the deaths of both his grandfather and his father in 1954. The estate has been in the family since 1434 when William de Edmonstone married Lady Mary Stewart, the sister of King James I of Scotland. See Duntreath and the Edmonstones
Though already somewhat frail, Sir Archie not only attended the Edmonstone Hall centenary party in May 2026 but regaled fellow guests with an impromptu speech, delivered without notes. See Edmonstone Hall Centenary Celebrations
Shortly afterwards he also joined the party at the Village Club to launch the Strathblane Heritage Trail. Each year on Remembrance Sunday the laird laid a wreath at Strathblane War Memorial in memory of local men who have died for their country, including his uncle, William Edmonstone, killed in 1916 at the Somme, aged 19.See STRATHBLANE WW1 PROJECT: 7 WILLIAM GEORGE EDMONSTONE
When Strathblane Heritage covered the subject of local people who had contributed to the ending of the illegal transatlantic slave trade, he enthusiastically shared documents about the key role played by his great grandfather, Admiral William Edmonstone, commander of the RN West African Squadron. See Slavery and the Abolitionists
In August 1934 the atmosphere at Duntreath was decidedly upbeat, amidst celebrations of the birth of a precious heir. Here is how the Kirkintilloch Gazette of 10 August that year reported the event:
We offer condolences to Lady Julie and the family. Eldest son Edward succeeds to the baronetcy. A family trust will take over the house and estate.
