Obituary – Michael Walker

Mr Walker joined James Walker Ltd, the family importing and sawmilling firm founded by his great-grandfather, as a sales representative in 1955 and later became a pioneer in the timber frame sector.

He was a leading figure in the timber industry, serving as a council member and Scottish chairman of TRADA and was president of the Scottish Timber Trade Association from 2001-2004 and chairman of its industrial committee. He was appointed honorary consul for Finland in 1989 and was also Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland. In 2003 he received an honorary Doctorate of Technology form Napier University.

Mr Walker was also very active in the wider community. He was involved in numerous organisations concerned with health and education and was chairman of the Western General Hospital NHS Trust, master of the Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh and chaired the board of governors of Stewart's Melville College. He was a director of the Edinburgh Trustee Savings Bank, and elected a member of the High Constables and Guard of Honour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, later becoming moderator.

Mr Walker is survived by his wife Margaretha, daughter Amanda, son Benzie and four grandchildren.