Keeper inherits share of £2m estate

Gamekeeper inherits share of Scottish estate

A gamekeeper whose father keepered before him on a Scottish estate stands to receive a share of the proceeds when his late employer’s property sells – to the fury of the family who inherited the rest.

Daniel Rippon, 45, spent more than three decades at Monreith House and Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. When Sir Michael Maxwell died in December 2021, he left the 328-acre estate to three people: two-thirds to his twin nieces, Katharine and Charlotte Helmore, and the remaining third to Mr Rippon, who now lives in the 18th-century mansion and is understood to be in favour of its sale.

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Family challenges inheritance

The Helmore sisters are contesting Mr Rippon’s share of the will, claiming their uncle was suffering from dementia towards the end of his life and that this affected his judgment. Sir Michael never married and had no children; they were, they say, the closest family he had left, and they want the estate kept in the family but do not have the £800,000 needed to buy out Mr Rippon.

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Lifelong loyalty to the estate

Dr Nicholas Courtney, 81, a lifelong friend of Sir Michael who held power of attorney during his illness, told the Daily Mail, which first reported the story, that the bequest was no more than Mr Rippon deserved. “Daniel first arrived on the estate aged just 12 when his father was gamekeeper,” he said. “Such was his loyalty to Sir Michael that he has been rewarded in the will. Michael simply could not have run the estate without him.”

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Sisters oppose sale of Monreith House

The sisters say Mr Rippon has not engaged with them since Sir Michael’s death. Katharine Helmore said: “We offered Daniel Rippon a separate deal in the hope we could preserve the house and the estate for both our family and the region over future generations, but he’s not interested and we have no control over the sale, despite it being our inheritance.

“We are in a real predicament. What is happening beggars belief. We are furious about what is going on but we seem to be powerless. We want the estate kept as it is and the more precious items should be placed in museums.”

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Monreith House on the market

Monreith House is a Category A listed Georgian mansion built in 1791, set within mature woodland on the banks of the White Loch of Myrton. Until recent years the estate supported an active pheasant shoot. It is now on the market with Savills at offers over £1.89 million and is understood to be under offer from a developer.

Mr Rippon could not be contacted for comment.