The press officer for the Catholic Church in Scotland, Monsignor Tom Connelly, has died suddenly at 66.

He was a personality known to regional and national newspaper journalists across the country.

Working closely with journalists, he covered everything from church openings to the Papal visit to Scotland 20 years ago.

In a tribute to the man and his work, The Lennox Herald said: “Father Tom, as he was widely known, was Edinburgh-born and came into the priesthood at the relatively late age of 38 after working in industry.

“He was hugely liked and admired throughout the journalistic trade for his even-handedness.”

His opposite number at the Church of Scotland, Ann Davies, said: “He will be affectionately remembered as an outstanding servant to his Church. His media expertise was highly regarded.”

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