Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry dies after short illness

The Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry has died after an operation following a short illness.

The Duke of Buccleuch and his family confirmed the death of Duchess Elizabeth Scott on Monday afternoon.

Benny Higgins, executive chairman of Buccleuch, said: “The Duke of Buccleuch and his family have announced that, very sadly, on Sunday morning the Duchess died after a short illness following an operation.

“The Duchess was the most wonderful, life-enhancing spirit and our hearts go out to the family as they come to terms with their loss.”

Ms Scott was the founder of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, which is one of the leading literary awards in the UK, and was also a judge for the same.

She also subsequently established the Young Walter Scott Prize and believed that young people should be encouraged to explore both history and writing.

Educated at the London School of Economics, she worked for BBC Radio 4’s Kaleidoscope programme.

Following her marriage in 1981, she began working at the newly-established local BBC radio station, Radio Solway, in Dumfriesshire.

She was the chairman of Scottish Ballet and the Heritage Education Trust, a trustee of the National Museums of Scotland and subsequently a trustee of the British Museum.

The Duchess has left behind her husband, Richard Scott, their four children and eleven grandchildren.

A private family funeral service will be held in the Borders and a service to celebrate her life will be announced in due course.