Well-known Cumbrian landowner Airlie Holden-Hindley has died peacefully at home, aged 97.
Airlie was born in Nelson, Lancashire in 1923.
His family were textile mill owners and he grew up with his brother and sister at Read Hall, Lancashire.
He was educated at Malvern College, Worcestershire and then at Cambridge University, studying economics.
After a year at Cambridge University, he was called up to the RAF, where he trained in Oklahoma, USA, flying open cockpit Tiger Moths.
He then returned to Europe and joined Training Command and by 1946 was based in La Rochelle, France, where he was awarded his French Airforce wings and also trained French pilots.
After the war, Airlie returned home to take the helm of the family textile businesses.
He was a director of Samuel Holden Limited and then CEO of Hindley Brothers, Nelson.
The family bought Edenhall Estate in the late 1940s.
Although based in Lancashire, this became the base for his passion for countryside, farming and forestry.
Airlie married Aude Powell at St Cuthbert’s Church, Edenhall, in June, 1970.
Aude was the only daughter of famous actress Jean Anderson, who is best remembered for her roles in Tenko and The Brothers.
Airlie and Aude moved permanently to Edenhall in 1975 with their children, Emma and Mark.
Edenhall was farmed in hand for nearly 50 years, but following foot and mouth disease the decision was made to tenant the majority of the farming enterprise and diversify the estate in other ways.
Airlie had a great love for the arts and Aude ran a successful theatrical agency, which meant that the family split their time between Cumbria, London.
Airlie continued to travel widely including visiting the Antarctic and the Galapagos Islands.
Edenhall was very much home and Airlie loved his farming and the community which surrounded it.
He was a great supporter of the village and the church.
He was instrumental in the setting up of the Edenhall and Langwathby sports fields and gave the grounds for this purpose to the community.
In his latter years, he very much enjoyed his daily drives around the local area and still had a firm hand on the reins of the estate well into his 90s.
Airlie was a true gentleman and will be remembered for his dedication and love of Edenhall.
He leaves behind his two children, Emma and Mark and his grandchildren Teya, Max and Ella-Jean.
A funeral service was held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Edenhall on 7th January.
