Former director of Walker's Shortbread Sir Jim Walker dies aged 80

Sir Jim Walker, the former director of Walker’s Shortbread, has died aged 80.

After grandfather Joseph Walker founded the bakery in the Speyside village of Aberlour in 1898, Sir Jim joined the family business in 1962, and went on to build Walker’s into an award-winning exporter of Scottish biscuits.

Born in Elgin and raised in Aberlour, he was educated at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, and ran Walker’s alongside his brother, Joe, and sister, Marjorie.

He received a Knighthood in 2022 for services to the food industry.

The father-of-four and grandfather-of-six recently stepped aside to an advisory role, allowing three of his children to take on the management of the firm.

Sir Jim died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday, his family confirmed.

A family statement said: “He will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind man who was an inspiration to many who knew him.

“We will honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values and legacy he built over a lifetime of dedication.”

Statement from Cllr Kathleen Robertson and Cllr John Cowe on behalf of Moray Council: “On behalf of Moray Council we offer our condolences to Sir Jim Walker’s family, friends and colleagues. We were greatly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing, a true and kind gentleman who always took the time to say hello and could be relied upon to offer his sound business advice when called upon.

“He was a true ambassador for Moray and Scotland as a whole and will be sorely missed in the Speyside community, where he leaves an impressive and worthy legacy.”