A journalist who spent 27 years working for a weekly newspaper has died suddenly at the age of 52.
Mike Delaney was a former chief reporter and deputy editor of the Glenrothes Gazette and spent 27 years there over two separate spells.
He most recently worked as head of news for Central Fife after the Fife Free Press Group, of which the Gazette is part, was restructured but took voluntary redundancy from the role just under three months ago.
Mr Delaney was a representative for the National Union of Journalists and served as the father of chapel (FoC) for Johnston Press Scotland for 15 years and as Fife FoC for more than 20 years.
Allan Crow, Central Fife editor for the Fife Free Press Group, said: “Mike was the very heart and soul of the Gazette office a great reporter and a hugely popular and valued colleague to all who joined the paper.”
NUJ Scottish organiser Paul Holleran said: “Mike was senior father of the chapel for many years in Johnston Press which reflects the high level of respect and popularity his colleagues held for him.”
Mr Delaney started out at the Gazette in 1985 where he met future wife Sandra, a fellow reporter, before leaving two years later to work for United News Services.
He returned to the Gazette in January 1989 where he remained, apart from a six-month secondment to the East Fife Mail, making him their longest-serving staff member.
Brian Stormont, Gazette editor from 2003-07, said: “It was a privilege to work with Mike Delaney for five years at the Glenrothes Gazette.”
Jerzy Morkis, north east Fife editor with Johnston Press, said: “I’ve known Mike since he joined the company and he was devoted to the Gazette and the readers.”
Away from work, Mr Delaney was a lifelong Hibernian supporter and a music lover. He leaves wife Sandra and sons Jamie, 18, and Ruaridh, 15.
Mr Delaney’s funeral will take place at St Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh at 1.30pm on Monday followed by a cremation at Seafield Crematorium at 3pm.
His family have requested those attending wear something green.