A copy boy who was spotted for his photographic talent is being mourned around the Scottish press.

Iain Dallas, who worked for the East Kilbride News, had died at the age of 62, his death leaving his many friends and colleagues in shock.

He began his career with the Daily Express in Glasgow as a lift boy before his National Service. Two years later he returned to the Express as a copy boy in the darkroom.

During this time he was allowed to take the occasional photo – and he proved himself to be a natural.

He was given more and more photography jobs at the Express until the late 1960s when he joined the Daily Record. He remained at the Record and combined his work there with jobs for the East Kilbride News.

When the main news photographer retired in 1995, Iain was first choice to take over the position.

And it was here that he made himself known to the people of East Kilbride, taking thousands of pictures over the next five years.

Tributes paid at his funeral included one by East Kilbride MP Adam Ingram, who rescheduled his diary as Minister of State for Northern Ireland to attend the service.

He said: “I knew Iain in his professional capacity as a photographer for the News.

“He enjoyed his work and loved to show East Kilbride at its best. However, I will remember him more as a friend.”

MSP Linda Fabiani said: “We have lost a true gentleman. His sense of humour always made sure that photoshoots were something I looked forward to.”

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here