Peter Rymill’s new book called “John Riddoch – Founder of Coonawarra” was warmly received by 80 guests at its official launch at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre in Mount Gambier on Friday night.


The author is a noted historian, author and vigneron and the great grandson of John Riddoch.


Born in Scotland, Mr Riddoch made a fortune on the Victorian Goldfields.


This enabled him to purchase Yallum Park at Penola in 1861 and give significant service to local government and colonial government.


His main claim to fame is the founding of the Coonawarra fruit colony in the mid 1890s.


The new biography was launched in an entertaining speech by former Member for Barker and Defence Minister Ian McLachlan.


The 88-year-old is a former president of the National Farmers Federation and the South Australian Cricket Association.


Mr McLachlan is no stranger to the region due to his holiday house at Robe and having managed his family’s Nangwarry Station for much of the 1960s and 1970s.


Both Mr Rymill and Mr McLachlan progressed on to the stage led by kilted Penola Coonawarra Caledonian Pipe Band bagpiper Neil McLean playing “Scotland the Brave”.


In a further nod to the Scottish heritage of Mr Riddoch, tartan was worn by many in attendance.


There was a significant media contingent present along with Rymill family members and key business and local government figures.