Iain Tennant facts for kids

Sir Iain Mark Tennant (born March 11, 1919 – died September 25, 2006) was an important Scottish businessman. He was known for his work in television, banking, and even with famous Scottish whisky companies. He also held several important public roles in Scotland.

Early Life and Military Service

Iain Mark Tennant was born in North Berwick, Scotland. He was the only son of John Edward Tennant and Georgina Helen Kirkpatrick. He went to school at Eton College, which is a famous boarding school, and then studied at Magdalene College, Cambridge University.

During World War II, Sir Iain served in the army. From 1940 to 1942, he was with the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards in Egypt. He also worked as an intelligence officer, gathering important information for the army. He was captured during the war in Tobruk and was a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany until 1945. This means he was held by the enemy until the war ended.

Family Life

In 1946, Sir Iain married Lady Margaret Helen Isla Marion Ogilvy in Westminster. Her father was Colonel David Ogilvy, who was the 12th Earl of Airlie.

Sir Iain and Lady Margaret had two sons, Mark and Christopher, and one daughter, Emma. Sadly, Christopher passed away before his father in 2006. Their daughter, Emma, later married Sir Jocelyn Stevens.

Business and Public Roles

Sir Iain Tennant had a long and successful career in business. He was the chairman of Grampian Television from 1968 to 1989. Before that, he was the vice-chairman for eight years. He also worked as a director for Caledonian Associated Cinemas for 40 years.

He was a director at Clydesdale Bank and the Abbey National Building Society. He also held an honorary director position with Seagram Co Ltd. Sir Iain was also the chairman of famous Scottish whisky companies like Glenlivet and Glen Grant Distilleries. He also led the board of Gordonstoun School from 1957 to 1972.

Beyond business, Sir Iain had many important public roles. He was a member of the Royal Company of Archers starting in 1950. He served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Moray in 1954. Later, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, a representative of the King or Queen, from 1963 to 1994.

He was also the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1988 and 1989. From 1970 to 1990, he was a Crown Estate commissioner for Scotland. In 1986, he was given a very special honor: he was appointed a Knight of the Thistle. This is one of the highest honors in Scotland. He also served on the Moray and Nairn County Council for eight years. He was a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, which means he was recognized for his contributions to arts, manufactures, and commerce.