An Arbroath-based journalist who worked on both national and regional newspapers has died.

During his long career, Innes Irvine, (79), covered events both in Scotland and overseas.

He was the first reporter to be invited on to a North Sea oil rig to witness the first oil being extracted at the start of the industry.

And in later years he made his living as a freelance journalist and even after retiring remained active, filing stories to papers up until very recently.

During the Falklands conflict, Innes reported on the role the Royal Marines of Arbroath-based 45 Commando played in the UK’s fight to retain the south Atlantic colony.

For many years he handled the publicity for Glamis Castle, and regularly came into contact with members of the Royal Family, meeting the Queen Mother on numerous occasions.

Married to Mae, the couple have one son, Keith, who lives with his wife Leslie and the couple’s twin sons, Jamie and Ben, in Ontario, Canada. The funeral service was due to be held today.

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