A British aristocrat and landowner who owned and managed large estates, particularly in Scotland, and was involved in local politics and community affairs.
Adrian Palmer, 4th Baron Palmer, was a British aristocrat and landowner in Scotland, best known for being one of the original ninety hereditary peers elected to remain in the House of Lords after the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999. As a crossbencher, he sat in the House of Lords until his death in 2023.
Adrian Palmer was born on October 8, 1951, to Colonel the Hon. Sir Gordon Palmer and Lorna Eveline Hope Bailie. He was educated at Eton and the University of Edinburgh, where he received a Certificate in Farming Practice.
Palmer began his career as an apprentice at his family's biscuit factory, Huntley and Palmers Ltd, in Reading. He then worked as a sales manager in Belgium and Luxembourg from 1974 to 1977. Between 1977 and 1986, he served as the Scottish representative to the European Landowners Organisation (ELO).
Palmer was a member of the Executive Council of the Historic Houses Association from 1981 to 1999 and of the council of the Scottish Landowners Federation from 1986 to 1992. He was also vice-chairman of the Historic Houses Association for Scotland from 1993 to 1994 and became chairman from 1994 to 1999.
Palmer held various other positions, including secretary of the Royal Caledonian Hunt from 1989 to 2005, president of the Palm Tree Silk Company in St Lucia, president of the British Association of Biofuels and Oils (BABFO), and president of the transport division of the Renewable Energy Authority. He was also a member of the National Farmers Union of Scotland and chairman of the Country Sports Defence Trust from 1994 to 2023.
Palmer married Cornelia Dorothy Katharine Wadham in 1977, and they had three children together before divorcing in 2004.
Palmer was a member of the Royal Company of Archers from 1990 to 1996. He was also involved in various country sports and was a strong advocate for the preservation of historic houses and the countryside.
Adrian Palmer, 4th Baron Palmer, was a dedicated public servant and advocate for the preservation of Scotland's countryside and historic houses. Through his various roles and positions, he left a lasting impact on the fields of agriculture, conservation, and country sports.
