The family of former racing driver the Marquess of Bute have praised him as a ‘devoted husband, father and brother’ following his death at the age of 62.
John Crichton-Stuart, who also went by John Bute, spent much of his time on his namesake Scottish island at his ancestral home, Mount Stuart, and had chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust since 2005.
The 7th Marquess, once ranked 616th in the Rich List, was also a Formula 1 driver in 1986 as he partnered Ayrton Senna and raced under the name Johnny Dumfries.
During his racing career he also won the 24-hour race, Le Mans, in 1988.
The Marquess, a close friend of Prince Charles, is believed to have died of cancer.
The Marquess, pictured with daughter Lola, was described as a ‘devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and grandfather’ in a loving tribute from his family
Last year model daughter Lola (pictured) shared a number of candid photos of her family
His family issued a statement this afternoon describing him as a ‘devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and grandfather and loved by all’.
It said: ‘The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family.
‘His heart was firmly rooted on the Island of Bute where he spent much of his time.
‘Johnny chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust from its active inauguration in 2005 when Mount Stuart and its gardens opened to the public, and its rural estate was vested into the charitable trust.
He raced in Formula One under the name Johnny Dumfries in 1986 for the Lotus team alongside Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna
Mr Bute, pictured with wife Serena, Marichoness of Bute, died aged 62 and was praised as a ‘devoted father’
‘He was a moderniser and an inspirational thinker, transitioning a family home to a progressive, working visitor facility and estate.
‘His island projects include the internationally respected Bute Fabrics and, most recently, the Kerrylamont Centre for Rural Excellence and Bute Yard. He was a philanthropist through his foundation, particularly focusing on Scotland and the West Coast.
‘His family request privacy at this time.’
The Marquess, worth an estimated £125million, leaves behind his wife Serena Wendell and four children.
Last year model daughter Lola shared a number of candid photos of her family, including one sweet image of her and her father, writing: ‘Dada, my hero this year and every year.’
Also leading the tributes was Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson who wrote on Twitter: ‘FFS. Now cancer has got poor old Johnny Bute. So sad.’
And former F1 driver and Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle added: ‘What the hell is going on, now we’ve lost Johnny Dumfries at 62.
‘A member of our ‘rat pack’ group, full of life and vigour, always with such style. Wonderful man and a fast driver. Condolences to his family.’
Daughter Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, 20, praised him as a ‘devoted father’ in a statement
Lola shared this family shot of her with her father, whom she called her ‘hero’ to her Instagram followers
Daughter Lady Lola also shared this image ahead of her party with her family to celebrate her birthday last year
Formula One said in a statement: ‘Johnny Dumfries, 1958 – 2021.
‘From a van driver for Frank Williams, to being Ayrton Senna’s team mate, and Le Mans glory, his was an extraordinary life characterised by boundless spirit and energy.
‘We send our condolences to his friends and family.’
One fan lamented on Twitter: ‘Murray Walker just over a week ago, Sabine Schmitz last week and now I’ve just heard that Johnny Dumfries has passed away.
The racer, known as Johnny Dumfries during his driving days, at the wheel of the Lotus-Renault at the Belgian Grand Prix in May 1986
‘My thoughts are with their friends and families at this time.’
Another added: ‘Only ever raced a single season in F1 but he was still a great driver, 3 world championship points and a Le Mans winner driving one of those legendary Silk Cut TWR Jaguars.
‘RIP Johnny Dumfries.’
The Marquess of Bute John Crichton-Stuart in 2007 with Prince Charles during a visit to Dumfries House
The aristocrat also previously owned Dumfries House in Cumnock, Ayrshire, but sold it to Scotland after a consortium headed by Prince Charles in 2007 for £45million.
Last December the 62-year-old and his daughter Lady Lola were discovered to have broken lockdown rules and travelled to their ancestral home when she posted their journey on Instagram, calling it a ‘Tier 4 Journey’.
He, Lola and five others were charged in connection with alleged breaches, including a 90-year-old woman.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said at the time: ‘On Monday December 21 2020, we received a report of a group of people travelling to the Isle of Bute in contravention of alleged breaches under the coronavirus legislation.
‘Inquiries were carried out and three men aged 32, 62 and 69 years, and four women aged 21, 29, 60 and 90, have been charged and will be subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.’