A freelance photographer has collapsed and died while covering an annual council parade.

Graeme Lafferty, a former chief photographer of the Perthshire Advertiser, was covering the Kirking of the Council parade in Perth on Sunday when he was taken ill.

Police, members of the public and paramedics carried out first aid at the scene but the 59-year-old died a short time later at hospital.

It is understood that Graeme, pictured left, suffered from the heart condition angina, although this was controlled by medication.

Friends and fellow photographers paid tribute to Graeme and expressed their shock at his sudden death.

Freelance photographer Fraser Band said: “It’s awful. Graeme had been out in Edinburgh on Friday on a ‘boys’ day out’. I can’t believe it as it’s so sudden.”

Angus Findlay, also a freelance photographer, added: “I know Graeme had just been at a day out in Edinburgh on Friday so this is really sudden. I can’t quite believe it.”

Steve MacDougall, a photographer with Dundee daily The Courier, also told of his shock, adding: “Graeme was due to be the best man at a wedding in a couple of weeks.”

A spokesman from Police Scotland said: “Officers in Perth can advise that a 59-year-old male has died after having been seen to collapse in the High Street at about 10.30am on Sunday, June 8.

“Local officers, members of the public and ambulance personnel all assisted in carrying out first aid actions at the scene of his collapse but unfortunately the male was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at Perth Royal Infirmary. There are no suspicious circumstances.

“As is the case of all sudden deaths, a report of the circumstances will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”