Retired head teacher and children’s author Andrew Kilgariff has died aged 66.
Born the second of nine children in 1947, Mr Kilgariff spent his childhood in Govan, Glasgow.
Having worked briefly in industry, he attended Jordanhill teacher training college and began teaching in 1970 in Glasgow.
When appointed to his first headship in Rogart, Sutherland, aged 26, he was the youngest head to be appointed in Scotland at that time.
He held a number of head teacher posts which took him to Inverbervie, Duns and lastly Cupar, where he was in charge of Castlehill Primary School.
Mr Kilgariff enjoyed writing short stories and poetry often comical through his life.
While at Jordanhill teacher training his first short story was published.
Having retired early, his ambition was to become a published children’s author.
This dream was finally realised in January this year when Hadrian and the Moonbiscuit was released.
Mr Kilgariff was a member of the Perthshire writers group and was awarded the Olive Lawrie Trophy for his short story The Match.
In May 2011 a piece he had written called Hogmanay in Perth City Centre was performed in Perth.
He was described by his family as a ‘larger than life’ character who had a huge zest for life.
Mr Kilgariff was a member of Mensa and was also a basketball coach in his younger days.
Ex-president of Perth Chess Club, he was made an honorary life member in recognition of his contribution to the club.