A daily newspaper’s former supplements editor and chief motoring writer has died just weeks after turning 70.

Tributes have been paid to Andrew MacKay, who has been described as a “towering figure” in the newsroom of Glasgow-based daily The Herald, where he worked for almost three decades.

Andrew, left, began his an apprentice compositor with the Dumfries & Galloway Standard, later working for the Govan Press and Daily Express before joining The Herald in 1975.

While at The Herald, he moved on to the editorial floor, initially as a features sub-editor, before his promotion to supplements editor.

In an obituary for The Herald, Lorrain Wilson wrote: “Big Andy, as his Herald colleagues knew him, never suffered fools at all, never mind gladly, (particularly lazy fools).

“However, he supported those in genuine need, never shy of the ‘get your coat on, let’s talk about this outside the office’ style of management.

“Andrew worked hard during office hours but then the rangy figure in the anorak, well over six foot, would hurry away with a paper under his arm – nothing being allowed to intrude on family time.”

He left The Herald in 2004, but continued to work as its chief motoring writer.

He also edited Menopause Matters for 12 years, and the title won Magazine of the Year at the Scottish Maazine Awards in 2013.

Andrew turned 70 on 5 September, but passed away on 14 October after a short illness.

He is survived by wife Theresa, children Gordon, Helen, and Stuart, five grandchildren, and his West Highland Terrier Louie.