Wife of Gifford biker Lachlan Mackintosh, who died after battle with cancer, pays tribute to her 'soulmate'

Lachlan Mackintosh passed away in wife Morag’s arms last Tuesday, just weeks before the couple’s second wedding anniversary.

The funeral of the army reservist, who was a gifted blacksmith and metalworker, is expected to attract bikers from all over the country to take part in a procession through Gifford.

Wife Morag, an early-retired primary school teacher, said that she and Lachlan, who was just 52, were two peas in a pod who were destined to be together.

She said: “Lachlan was my soulmate. We did everything together and were so alike.

“He didn’t have a bad bone in his body and would do anything for anybody.

“He was a true gentleman and loved by so many people.

“I have been overwhelmed by the messages and support I have received from so many people who knew him.”

Lachlan ran his family’s business James Mackintosh and Son Metalworkers Ltd, in Edinburgh, which has been handed down through generations since 1870.

He spent 30 years as an army reservist and was a member of several biker groups, including the Widows Sons Scotland and Royal British Legion Riders, both of whom are expected to join the funeral cortege on Saturday.

A lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group, along with Morag, the couple met at a biker rally in Aberdeenshire eight years ago.

Morag said she was introduced to biking by Lachlan, after only having a passing interest before they met.

And she revealed how Lachlan, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, told her that years before they met he had stopped in Gifford, while out riding with friends, and told them: “I could live here.”

He moved to the village five years ago to live with Morag, who is originally from Saltoun.

The couple set up home with their beloved Rottweiler Mara and, on holiday in Skye for Christmas 2014, Lachlan proposed.

Morag said: “He proposed on Christmas Day and had a master goldsmith open on Boxing Day so we could order our rings. We were planning to wed in the October at Dunvegan Castle.”

Sadly, in March 2015 Lachlan was diagnosed with stage three melanoma cancer and had to undergo major surgery.

The couple immediately brought their wedding forward, holding it at Haddington Registry Office the following month.

Only three weeks ago, they received the news that the cancer had spread into stage four. Two weeks later, Lachlan passed away in St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh.

Morag said: “Lachlan was always so fit and healthy. He was 6ft 2 and never sunbathed. People think melanoma cancer is caused by sunbathing, but he and I both hid from the sun and he was always covered up.”

Morag has been inundated with messages of support from people who knew Lachlan from all walks of life, including the biker community, and they are preparing to join her when she says goodbye to Lachlan at Yester Kirk on Saturday.

Morag said: “It has been incredible the support from people who knew, loved and respected Lachlan.

“I am the luckiest woman in the world and feel truly blessed to have met Lachlan and to have shared such incredible times together, which I shall treasure forever, and I was there when he passed away in my arms.

“He was a very special man who will never be forgotten.”