A columnist who wrote for a weekly newspaper for 45 years has died aged 88.

Tributes have been paid to Keith Graham, who was one of the Stirling Observer’s “most trusted and longest serving contributors”.

Keith, pictured, had written his weekly ‘Country View’ column for the Observer since 1975.

In 2019 he was praised for his his contribution to the paper in House of Commons Early Day Motion tabled by the then Stirling MP Stephen Kerr.

Observer deputy editor Donald Morton said: “Keith has been a valued and trusted contributor for almost 50 years.

“In a circulation area like ours with a vast rural landscape, the environment and wildlife is often at the heart of our stories and Keith was always an invaluable source of advice and information.

“His passion for wildlife and the natural world was infectious and something which we have always felt privileged to share with our readers.

“His wealth of knowledge was something we came to depend on so often over the years.

“His book and numerous columns are an incredible legacy but he will also be fondly remembered by those of us who knew him.”