Sportsman Robin Macqueen loved antiques and gardening

Robin Macqueen was born and raised in Edinburgh by his anaesthetist father and mother who was a midwife and lover of antiques, owning a shop dedicated to them in Bruntsfield.

He attended Melville College where he developed his love of sport, particularly cricket, golf and football, in between his studies.

His interest continued at Aberdeen University, where he played shinty and cricket while he studied towards his eventual graduation in law.

While there, he also supported Aberdeen FC with vigour.

Robin met his future wife Anne, who was studying French, and returned to Edinburgh where he worked for the HMRC in the Estate Duty Office where he remained throughout his career.

They lived in the north of the Capital throughout their married life, and had children Kirsty and Andrew, who have developed careers in nursing and forestry respectively, which gave Robin great pride.

Robin was captain and president of Stewart’s Melville Cricket Club and continued playing until last year, when, as captain of the third team, he averaged 82 with a top score of 98.

He was well-known for encouraging younger players and was seen as a focal point at the club. A spell on the sidelines through injury allowed him to undertake his umpiring exams and stay involved in the sport.

When the cricket season stopped, Robin would replace this passion for another, golf, and was a member at Dunbar, where he enjoyed the whole golfing experience, including the odd dram from the fine selection in the clubhouse.

He was a member of the “Fancy Freens” golf society, which plays regularly all over the country and made many new friends over the years.

Robin was also a keen runner in his earlier years and completed several marathons and half marathons in very respectable times. His love of keeping fit led him to set up an office gym, a football team and “Ryder Cup”-style golf matches.

But the one sport he couldn’t abide was rugby union.

He actively pursued his antiques interest and over the last few years was often seen hunting out a bargain at the Jane Street weekly market.

He took great pleasure from his immaculate garden overlooking the Botanics and this complemented another passion, namely food, as the year’s crop was harvested and delicious meals produced.

Robin was seen as great company and had a gift for mimicry which could reduce friends to tears of laughter.

He leaves his family, Anne, Kirsty and Andrew, as well as a brother Martin. Friends said he would be greatly missed by them and all who knew him.