Some stories remain with people for a lifetime. What took place at Leslie Castle recently was not simply a family visit, but the continuation of a connection that began almost four decades ago following a tragic accident near Insch.
On 2 December 1989, a Pitts S-2A aircraft, crashed while performing aerobatics at Insch Airfield in Aberdeenshire. The aircraft was destroyed and the 38 year old pilot, who was the sole occupant, lost his life.
At that very moment, David and Leslie Leslie, then owners of Leslie Castle, were engaged in planting trees on the estate. Deeply affected by the tragedy that had occurred so close to their home, they later planted a tree in memory of the young Canadian pilot, creating a peaceful place of remembrance on the castle grounds.
Neither they nor the pilot’s family could have imagined that thirty-seven years later that simple act of kindness would bring people together once again.
A Return Journey from Canada
This August, members of the pilot’s family travelled from Canada to Aberdeenshire in remembrance. The principal family representatives attending were the pilot’s partner and her daughter, together with his brother and other family members.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the day was the reunion between the pilot’s partner and Leslie, now 82 years old. The two women had not seen one another since the original tree had been planted in the aftermath of the accident. Now, thirty-seven years later, they were able to stand together once more.
Their meeting was filled with warmth, memories and reflection, demonstrating how acts of compassion can resonate long after the events that inspired them.
Remembering Through Photographs and Stories
The family were shown photographs of the original tree planting, providing a visual link between past and present. The photographs prompted stories, memories and conversations that connected those present with a moment in history that remained vivid despite the passing years.
A Scottish Floral Tribute
The family also brought a beautiful floral tribute for the occasion.
Thoughtfully designed, the arrangement incorporated heather and ferns, giving it a distinctly Scottish character. The flowers created a symbolic link between the pilot’s Canadian roots and the Scottish landscape that has safeguarded his memory for so many years.
The Reading of High Flight
As part of the gathering, I read High Flight by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Jr., one of the best-known poems ever written about flying.
Written by a young aviator who also died tragically while serving during the Second World War, the poem captures the exhilaration, beauty and freedom of flight and has become cherished by generations of pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the world.
Only after the ceremony did we discover something extraordinary: High Flight had also been read at the pilot’s funeral in 1989 and was well known to his family.
What had appeared to be a simple choice of reading suddenly took on a much deeper significance. It created an unexpected bridge between the original farewell and the gathering thirty-seven years later, linking two moments of remembrance separated by nearly four decades.
Many of those present felt that this coincidence gave the day a special sense of connection and continuity.
Planting a Second Tree
The visit was not only about looking back. To mark the occasion, a second tree was planted: a Canadian maple, chosen in honour of the pilot’s nationality and heritage.
Where the first tree had been planted in response to a tragedy, the maple was planted as a symbol of enduring friendship, remembrance and family connection, representing both memory and renewal.
A Family’s Reflection
After returning home, the family sent a message that perfectly captured the spirit of the day:
“Just wanted to say how touched everyone was for the time you, John and Leslie spent with us yesterday (I think Mom really appreciated meeting Leslie again after 37yrs). They chatted for ages about it afterwards! The poem and tree were so thoughtful and kind. I certainly felt a surge of positive energy being with you three.”
Their words were deeply appreciated and confirmed what many of us had felt during the visit.
The Enduring Power of Kindness
For everyone present, the day served as a powerful reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness can leave a legacy far beyond anything we might imagine. Thirty-seven years after a tragedy touched lives in both Scotland and Canada, a tree, a poem, old photographs and a warm reunion showed that memories endure, friendships survive and loved ones are never truly forgotten.
How wonderly beautiful this connection between two nations, two families despite the tragedy. I applaud both for this very special remembrance.