A daily newspaper’s serving deputy head of news has died aged 57 following an illness.

Tributes have been paid to Stephen Wilkie, who had worked for The Scotsman and its National World sister titles in Edinburgh since 2018.

According to the paper, he “played a key mentoring role with a host of reporters across the Scotland newsroom”.

Stephen, pictured, was also described in an obituary as “critical” to expanding the court and crime coverage of both The Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News.

Scotsman editor Neil McIntosh said: “Stephen meant an awful lot to us. A brilliant professional, he was born to be in a newsroom, and was an immensely caring, compassionate figure.

“He offered countless words of advice to colleagues, from junior journalists in their early years to senior staff taking on new roles.

“From practical advice to a gentle word of encouragement, his support was always welcome and timed to perfection.

“His razor-sharp intellect brought insight and wit to our news meetings every day.”

Stephen began his career on Glasgow-based daily The Herald in 1983, before moving on to the Glasgow Courts Press Agency later the same year.

In 1984, he joined a freelance agency based in the lobby at Glasgow City Chambers and then spent two years in weekly newspapers while shifting at the Scottish Sun from its launch in 1986.

Stephen then joined the Daily Record, but later returned to the Sun and subsequently had stints at the News of the World, Daily Express and Daily Star in reporting and newsdesk roles.

He became deputy news editor with the Edinburgh Evening News in November 2018 before later being appointed live editor for the Edinburgh team.

Stephen died at home on Christmas Day with his wife Irina at his side.

Neil added: “Stephen and Irina clearly shared a deep bond. Now, all our thoughts are with her, their family and friends, all of whom will be feeling his loss keenly.”