Ian Carruthers RIP

Ian Carruthers
Governor Emeritus 
27th October 1945 - 9th October 2025

With our thanks to Patricia Carruthers

Born in Scotland, Ian Carruthers was educated at Holy Cross Academy, Edinburgh, Leith Nautical College, Southampton School of Navigation and Ashridge Management College. 

In 1962 he joined the shipping company Union Castle serving as a Cadet Officer then a Deck Officer. 

In 1969 he joined the Management Team of Hertz (UK) and became the Regional Director for Central UK in 1973. 

Ian’s career saw him going back to the sea when in 1976 he joined Brittany Ferries in Portsmouth as the Operations and Freight Manager. In 1981 he was appointed Managing Director UK & Ireland and Group Commercial Director, a position he held until his retirement. 

During his 25 years with Brittany Ferries, he was at various times a director of West Country Television, Gîtes de France (UK), and Channel Island Ferries. 

He was for a time Chairman of the Passenger Shipping Association. 

Although proud of his Scottish roots, Ian developed a great affection for the City of Portsmouth. Founder Chairman of the Common Purpose leadership development, he played a key role in the decision to erect the city’s iconic Sail of the South. 

He was also a long serving Governor at The Portsmouth Grammar School from August 1997 to December 2010, where during that time he chaired the Finance Committee. He was instrumental in the decision to build the school state of the art Bristol Clavell Science Centre. From December 2010, Ian was Governor Emeritus of the school. 

In 1991 he was awarded the News newspaper’s Business Personality of the Year Award. 

Ian was a man of great humour, intellect and enthusiasm. Married to a French woman he was a great Francophile and fond of quoting the French saying: “You have to make the soup with the vegetables you have”. In Ian’s life there was always a carrot, a potato and a leek! 

He is survived by his wife Patricia and his two sons, Mark and David.