We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Salvesen, Chair of APRS from 1994-2000 and whose life was defined by a love for Scotland’s countryside and a tireless commitment to public service.
Robin Salvesen was a champion of Scotland’s countryside as APRS’s chair for six years from 1994 and then vice chair from 2000-2016. Robin was a distinguished figure in Scottish public life and business, known for his long association with the Christian Salvesen shipping company and his deep commitment to rural Scotland.
A fourth-generation member of the Salvesen family firm, Robin helped guide its evolution from whaling and shipping into logistics and cold storage, holding senior roles including head of the marine division and non-executive director until 2002. His maritime expertise extended to national bodies such as the General Council of British Shipping and Lloyd’s Register.
Alongside his business career, Robin devoted himself to public service. He was Vice Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, a local councillor, a Kirk elder, and Territorial Army major. For 25 years, he served as Consul General for Denmark in Edinburgh.
Robin’s life was also defined by a deep love of the outdoors and the Scottish countryside. He was a passionate gardener at his East Lothian home, Eaglescairnie, where he and his wife Sari hosted a wide variety of community, military, church, and youth groups. His appreciation of rural life translated into active environmental stewardship, including has chairmanship of APRS.
An accomplished archer and proud member of The Royal Company of Archers, Robin won 82 prizes and was a revered presence in archery circles. Robin was the father of seven children and 19 grandchildren.
Robin Salvesen died 10 March 2025 in Haddington, aged 89 and is survived by Sari, his wife of 65 years.
