FOR many years a well-known figure in East Lothian, Lady Anne-Louise Hamilton-Dalrymple died at her home at Leuchie on January 7, aged 84.

The youngest daughter of the Earl of Albemarle, she married Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple in 1954.

On her father-in-law’s death in 1959, she and her husband returned to North Berwick, where she brought up her four sons, Hew, Jock, Robert and William, and for more than 50 years played a prominent role in the East Lothian, and particularly North Berwick, community.

She was president of the East Lothian Girl Guide Association for many years and was also closely involved with the Save the Children Fund.

She had connections with many organisations and charities in North Berwick, annually crowning the lifeboat queen and presenting the horticultural society show prizes for more than 40 years.

In addition, she was a wonderful support to her husband when he was Lord Lieutenant of the county from 1987 to 2001.

Both ecumenical and a devout Catholic, she was an active member of her parish of Our Lady, Star of the Sea – for years co-ordinating the cleaning of the church and participating in most activities.

She was also a founder of the Edinburgh charity Lifeline Pregnancy Counselling and Care, playing a leading part in fundraising with flower festivals in many East and Midlothian mansion houses.

She greatly enjoyed following the lives of her children and 11 grandchildren; the birth of her first great-grandchild in 2015 brought her particular happiness.

She was much loved for her warmth, kindness and vitality, and will be sadly missed. Her funeral will take place at Our Lady, Star of the Sea, North Berwick, on Monday at noon.