Tributes have been paid to former journalist and Abertay University figure Ken Cargill, who died peacefully on Tuesday.
A former chief of radio and TV for BBC Scotland, Mr Cargill lived with his wife Una Gallacher at a converted farmstead on the edge of Friockheim, Angus.
He died at home after a long battle with illness. He was 65.
Carol Pope, a former colleague of Mr Cargill during his tenure as chairman of the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust, spoke fondly of the ”energy and professionalism” he brought to the role.
”On behalf of the trust I can only say how sad I am to hear of Ken’s passing,” she said. ”Ken was a great chairman and was very dynamic in his championing of our cause.
”During the time we worked together he faced many challenges and did so with great energy and professionalism. I will remember him as a good friend and colleague.”
Lady Fiona Fraser, a good friend of Mr Cargill’s, said: ”I’ve known Ken for many years through our mutual interests in the university and Hospitalfield. He was a great ambassador for them but his interests were wide and his love for Angus was well known.
”His great judgment and good humour will be sadly missed.”
Nigel Hawkins, chairman of the court of Abertay University, said: ”This is a terribly sad day for the university, having lost one of its staunchest and warmest friends and supporters.
”Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Una and all his family, and we mourn with them the passing of a man who gave so much to Abertay and to other institutions and individuals.
”Ken was an exceptional person and throughout his time as a member of the university court he brought wisdom, energy, great common sense and good humour to all he did for the institution.
”He also brought his deep belief in openness, transparency and the importance of doing things the right and fair way. His colleagues on court could always depend on Ken for well-reasoned and thought-out views on a whole range of subjects.”
Among many paying tribute on Mr Cargill’s Facebook page was former BBC director of news Richard Sambrook, who said: “Very sorry to hear of Ken’s death far too young. He was a brilliant leader for the BBC in Scotland, an outstanding journalist and a great colleague. Much sympathy to Una and his family.”
Mr Cargill was born in Arbroath and attended Arbroath High School before studying at Edinburgh University, where he was the founding chairman of the Edinburgh University Student Publications Board.
He joined the BBC after graduating in 1972 and became head of TV news and current affairs in 1988, later taking on responsibility for radio, sport and its web presence until he left in 2002.
An honorary fellowship bestowed by Abertay University in May recognised the role he had in its growth over a long period, having been a member of its court for more than eight years. He also chaired the court’s governance committee.
Mr Cargill’s enthusiasm and expertise in current affairs led to his becoming a visiting professor in journalism studies at Strathclyde University, an honorary professor of politics at Glasgow University and a member of the Edinburgh University Alumni Media Advisory Group.
He leaves behind a sister and his mother, who lives in Carnoustie.