Eric Yarrow facts for kids

Sir Eric Grant Yarrow (born April 23, 1920 – died September 22, 2018) was an important British businessman. He was known for leading a famous shipbuilding company. He also held the title of the 3rd Baronet, which is a special British honor passed down through families.

After serving as a major in the Royal Engineers during World War II, he joined his family's business, Yarrows of Scotstoun, in 1946. He became the managing director when he was 38 years old. Later, he became the chairman after his father, Harold Yarrow, passed away in 1962. Sir Eric was 42 at that time. He then became the President of Yarrow plc until 1987. He also worked at the Clydesdale Bank, first as a director and then as its chairman until 1991.

Sir Eric is remembered for successfully guiding the Glasgow shipbuilding company through tough times. Many other shipyards were struggling, but Yarrows grew stronger. He was very good at keeping a strong relationship with the Royal Navy. Yarrow ships were known for being very fast. For example, Yarrows built the first destroyer ship that could go faster than 30 knots. Sir Eric worked hard to keep this reputation. This helped Yarrows get many orders from the Royal Navy and other navies around the world.

Thanks to his efforts, Yarrows became a main builder for many important Royal Navy ships. These included the Type 21, Type 22, Type 23, and Type 45 frigate programs. The company is still involved in building the Type 26 alongside the Govan yard.

Sir Eric was also involved in other important groups. He became a Vice-President of the RINA in 1972. He also served as the head of the Shipwrights' Company from 1970 to 1971.

He received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in 1946 for his military service. In 1962, he became the 3rd baronet after his father's death. Later, in 1970, he became a Deputy Lieutenant for Renfrewshire. His oldest grandson, Ross, inherited his special title.

Helping Others and Other Interests

Sir Eric was involved with many shipbuilding and engineering groups. He was a leader in the Incorporation of Hammermen in Glasgow in 1961. He also led the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights in 1970. In 1975, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

He continued his family's tradition of supporting the Princess Louise Hospital at Erskine. He was the chairman of the hospital's board for several years. He also personally helped with many events and fundraising activities for the hospital. Sir Eric was also very interested in the Burma Star Association. He became the president of its Scottish Branch in 1990.

Family Life

Sir Eric married Rosemary Ann Young on April 28, 1951. She passed away in 1957. They had one son, Richard Grant Yarrow, who was born in 1953 and died in 1987. Richard had two sons with his wife Sheila Allison, including Ross Yarrow, who was born in 1985 and inherited Sir Eric's title.

Sir Eric married Annette Elizabeth Françoise Steven on May 23, 1959. They had three more sons: Norman, Peter (who were twins born in 1960), and David Yarrow (born in 1966). Sir Eric and Annette divorced in 1975.

Sir Eric lived in Renfrewshire with his third wife, Caroline Botting, whom he married in 1982. He passed away on September 22, 2018, at the age of 98.

Awards and Recognitions

Sir Eric received several important awards and honors during his life:

• Baronet (abbr: Bt) - A special hereditary title.
• MBE (Member, Order of the British Empire) - An award for his military service.
• OStJ (Officer, Order of St John of Jerusalem) - An honor from the Order of St John.

See also

• Yarrow baronets