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Former Scotsman editor dies aged 49

A former editor of The Scotsman has died suddenly at the age of 49 after being taken ill playing cricket.

Alan Ruddock was in charge of the Edinburgh-based daily between 1998 and 2000, a period which saw the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

Dublin-born, he returned to the Irish Republic after leaving The Scotsman and continued to work as a journalist, writing for the Irish Independent.

Mr Ruddock, who had previously overcome Hodgkin’s disease, died after being taken ill while playing cricket in Ireland at the weekend.

John McLellan, the current editor of The Scotsman said: “Alan Ruddock was a fine editor of The Scotsman, an instinctive journalist with a keen eye for political and business stories.

“He steered the paper at a crucial time for Scotland and his sharp brain combined with his Irish background meant he had a natural feel for the issues facing the country.

“He was a charming, fun and extremely helpful colleague. All our thoughts are with his family.”

Sunday Independent editor Aengus Fanning added: “Alan Ruddock was a superb journalist with a capacious mind. But, above all, he was a great friend and a wonderful family man.”

In 2007, Mr Ruddock wrote a biography of the controversial Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, entitled A Life in Full Flight.

He leaves behind his wife Jackie and his teenage sons Matthew, Daniel and Cameron.

  • A full obituary to Mr Ruddock can be read on The Scotsman website.