Peer ditches helicopter
Basingstoke Gazette Friday 7th August 2009
THE multi-millionaire owner of Moundsmere Manor, near Basingstoke, is recovering after having to ditch the helicopter he was flying.
Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay was forced to make an emergency landing in the water as he headed for his helipad-equipped yacht near Little Deer Isle in Maine, America.
The Conservative peer and his three passengers all received bumps and bruises but escaped serious injury.
Lord Laidlaw is estimated to have a wealth of around £730million and also owns homes in Monte Carlo, London and South Africa.
Married to his second wife Christine, Lord Laidlaw was on leave from his duties at the House of Lords.