Ian Forbes-Leith facts for kids
Sir Robert Ian Algernon Forbes-Leith, 2nd Baronet (born 1902, died 1973) was an important Scottish landowner and soldier. He held a special role as the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, which meant he was the King's or Queen's representative in that area of Scotland.
Growing Up
Robert Ian Algernon Burn was born on December 27, 1902. He was the youngest child of Sir Charles Burn and Ethel Louise Forbes-Leith. His mother's father was Alexander Forbes-Leith, who was a very important person called the 1st Baron Leith of Fyvie.
In 1925, when Robert was 23, his family's name changed from Burn to Forbes-Leith. This happened because his father inherited a lot of land and properties, including the famous Fyvie Castle, after the 1st Baron Leith passed away.
Robert went to two well-known schools: Eton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. After Sandhurst, he joined the Royal Artillery as a Second Lieutenant. In 1930, his father died, and Robert inherited the family's land and the title of Baronet.
His Work and Service
After becoming a Baronet, Robert Forbes-Leith took on several important roles. He joined the Royal Company of Archers, which is a ceremonial guard for the King or Queen in Scotland. He also became a Justice of the Peace and a Deputy Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, helping with local community duties.
Sir Robert served in the Second World War as part of the Royal Artillery. He was recognized for his brave actions during the war. He also received an award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his service. After the war, he continued to serve in the army and retired with the rank of Major.
After leaving the army, he became the Vice-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire in 1953. Then, in 1959, he became the main Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire. In 1964, he also became a Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Aberdeen. The University of Aberdeen gave him an honorary degree, which is a special award. In 1972, he was made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, which is a very high honor in Scotland.
His Family
Sir Robert Forbes-Leith married Ruth Avis Barnett on February 23, 1927, in London. They had four children together:
- John Alexander Forbes-Leith (born 1928, died 1949)
- Sir Andrew George Forbes-Leith of Fyvie, 3rd Bt. (born 1929, died 2000)
- Anne Rosdew Forbes-Leith (born 1932, died 2021)
- Mary Elizabeth Forbes-Leith (born 1934, died 2018)
Sir Robert passed away on March 17, 1973. His second son, Andrew, inherited his title and lands because his eldest son, John, had passed away many years before him.
