Fife Boys’ Brigade leader Norman Smith has died at the age of 62.
Mr Smith, who was also an elder at Dunfermline Abbey and a Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards assessor, collapsed while climbing in the Cairngorms last week.
Having joined the 4th Dunfermline Company (Abbey Church) of the Boys’ Brigade as an officer in 1990, Mr Smith was known to generations of youngsters.
A keen athlete, he was a member of Pitreavie Athletics Club and known for his love of hiking. Mr Smith had just retired from his work at Longannet after 40 years before his death last Tuesday.
Bill Stevenson, Scottish director of the Boys’ Brigade, paid tribute to Mr Smith, saying: “He was a well-known figure in the BB in Scotland and for many years had been a member of our national expedition panel.
“He was a real character and I know many young people have benefited from his training and guidance over the years.
“We were all deeply saddened to hear of this tragic loss and all at BB Scottish HQ send our condolences to Norrie’s family and to his colleagues in the 4th Dunfermline.”
Mr Smith had been climbing Beinn Bhrotain, 13 miles south of Aviemore, when he died.
He had been assisting a group of youngsters in his capacity as an assessor with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
John Murdoch, captain of the 4th Dunfermline, also paid tribute, adding: “It was perhaps fitting that in his final moments Norrie was pursuing his two great loves hiking in the hills, and helping young people to enrich their lives.
“He quickly became a very popular officer. His over-riding principle was that the boys came first in everything that he was involved in.
“He gave 100% in all his work in the company and this was noted and Norrie was highly regarded by officers and boys alike because of this.”
Mr Smith is survived by wife May and children Douglas and Hazel.