Michael Burns, a respected Highland solicitor and honorary sheriff, has died aged 90.
He was also an accredited expert for the Law Society of Scotland in crofting law, a former golf club captain and an accomplished bridge player.
Michael John Burns was born in the Shieling, Ferry Road, Dingwall where he lived for over 80 years before moving to Maryburgh.
He was educated at Dingwall Primary School, Dingwall Academy, Fettes College Edinburgh, and the Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, gaining the degree of MA LLB (Hons).
It was at Edinburgh that he met Janet to whom he was very happily married for 63 years.
Michael qualified as a solicitor and, after National Service with the Seaforth Highlanders, joined the family firm, TSH Burns & Son, Park Street, Dingwall, along with his father Thomas and his brother, Saunders.
He very much enjoyed his career and said that he never knew what was coming through the door, be it a case of murder or divorce.
Expertise
For many years, Michael provided the Law Society of Scotland with advice on crofting law and, in later years served as an honorary sheriff for the Sheriffdom of Grampian and Highlands and Islands, a role which he felt privileged to hold.
He had three daughters, Alison, Davina and Sarah-Jane, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud.
Champion
After his love of family, his other great love was golf. He spent many happy and sometimes frustrating hours at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club.
He became club champion three times and also held the role of club captain. For his services to the club, he was awarded an honorary membership.
Michael had a beautiful, if somewhat unconventional garden, and spent many hours tending it.
He loved birdwatching on his walks along the Conon River, as well as playing bridge.
Known for his great love of dogs, he owned five King Charles Cavalier spaniels and a Labrador.
Michael had a happy disposition and alleviated many a tricky situation by making a joke. He was a delight to spend time with.
He is greatly missed by his family and his many friends and in the words of his great friend, Tom Aitchison, he will be remembered “as he is encapsulated in bronze, stood on a plinth in the centre of Edinburgh in the guise of Sherlock Holmes”.
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