A regional news editor who went on to serve his patch as a councillor has died aged 88.

Tributes have been paid to Ron Lyon, pictured, who ran the newsdesk at the Inverness Courier.

During his journalism career, Ron also served as The Sun’s representative in the Highlands and was the Highland bureau chief for the Aberdeen Journals titles.

He served as an independent councillor on Highland Council for many years in Inverness West, stepping down in 2007.

Former newspaper colleague Gordon Fyfe told the Courier Ron was a “hugely-respected” journalist.

He said: “He was of the old school. He loved getting exclusive stories. He did his research and you could always depend on him for accuracy.

“You couldn’t find a harder working and accurate journalist who also reflected the stories which interested the local community.”

Ron was also an active member of the Highlands and Islands branch of the National Union of Journalists.

Inverness journalist David Love said: “He was very much a dedicated newspaper man and also a dedicated family man as well as being dedicated to the people he served in his local authority division.”

Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years, plus daughter Gail and sons Inglis and Edward.