North Sea pioneer and Balmoral Group founder Sir James Milne dies, aged 85
“It is hard to put into words his profound impact on not only Balmoral Group, but the North-east of Scotland as a whole”
Tributes have been paid following the death of Sir James Milne, aged 85, the founder of Aberdeen-based Balmoral Group.
Milne, who was born on Boxing Day 1940 in Tullos, the youngest of nine children, is credited as one of the North Sea sector’s true pioneers. He built Balmoral Group up from just four people into a global subsea business with a turnover in excess of £200 million. Milne acquired Aberdeen’s Marcliffe Hotel in 2024.
He also set up the Milne Family Foundation, in 2016. The grant-making charity supports more than 60 partners, transforming the communities they serve, in Aberdeen and through selected projects around the world, donating more than £2m a year.
In a statement, Balmoral Group said: “Balmoral Group is deeply saddened to announce the death of our pioneering founder and chairman, Sir James Milne CBE. Jim passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on the 10th of November.
“It is hard to put into words his profound impact on not only Balmoral Group, but the North-east of Scotland as a whole. Driven by a deep love of Aberdeen and immense pride in putting the city on the global map, Sir Jim built Balmoral into a renowned global leader across multiple markets and, as co-founder and chairman of Friends of ANCHOR, made a lasting, positive impact on the lives of thousands of people across the north of Scotland affected by cancer or a blood disorder.
“His vision, loyalty to his people, enthusiasm and, most of all, sheer hard work are some of the many reasons we stand here today, and they will continue to guide Balmoral Group.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lady Milne, Sarah Jane, Caroline, Cameron, Ewan, their wider family, grandchildren and everyone who was blessed to know him.
“The family kindly asks for no flowers and instead a donation to be made to Friends of ANCHOR.”
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