Tributes have been paid to Scottish Water chief executive Richard Ackroyd, after he died suddenly.
Mr Ackroyd (53) had been in the post for five years, after moving to Scotland from Yorkshire.
He had been a director of Yorkshire Water from 1996, latterly as director of regulation and investment. He was also chairman of Water UK from 2006 to 2008.
A solicitor by profession, he had previously been head of legal services for Yorkshire Water after a period in private practice.
He famously donated part of his bonus to Water Aid in 2010.
Scottish Water paid tribute to Mr Ackroyd.
In a statement announcing his death, it said: ”The thoughts of everyone at Scottish Water are with his family and friends.
”Richard came to Scottish Water from Yorkshire Water and has guided the business through its most successful period of growth and development.
”This culminated with its 10-year anniversary, its highest level of success and its nomination for utility of the year in the prestigious Utility Awards in December.”
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led government tributes.
She said: ”It was with great sadness that I received the news of the sudden death of Scottish Water’s Chief Executive Richard Ackroyd.
”My thoughts at this difficult time are with Richard’s family and friends and with the board and staff of Scottish Water.
”Richard led Scottish Water for almost five years, enhancing the organisation’s performance and reputation throughout.
”Scottish Water is an organisation we can all be proud of and that is a tribute to Richard’s exceptional leadership qualities.”
Mr Ackroyd leaves a wife and two young sons.