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Scottish journalist and broadcaster dies aged 71

A Scottish journalist whose career saw him work for the local press and in broadcasting has died aged 71.

Bob King started his journalistic life as a trainee reporter with Glasgow daily The Herald before joining the BBC in London during which time he was the first to take the call about the Aberfan disaster in South Wales in 1966.

That same year he moved back from the capital to his native Scotland when he became a press officer with the Highlands and Islands Development Board in Inverness.

His PR career also took in stints in Cromarty Firth and Edinburgh before returning to his first love of journalism.

Bob joined the newly-formed Moray Firth Radio station as its news editor following which he worked for the Highland News agency, Aberdeen-based daily the Press and Journal and finally going freelance.

Born in Airdrie, Bob attended Glasgow University where he studied classics and was fluent in several languages including Gaelic.

He died in hospital in Inverness after suffering an aneurysm the previous day.

Bob is survived by his third wife Lily and family from his first marriage.

  • Visit Scotsman.com and heraldscotland.com to read full obituaries and leave your memories of Bob at Lasting Tribute.