Former Scotsman editor Alan Ruddock died after becoming ill at the weekend; he was 49 years-old.
Ruddock, a keen sportsman, was taken ill while playing cricket near his home in Ireland.
A native of Dublin, Ruddock returned to the country of his birth after ending his two-year stint as editor of The Scotsman in 2000.
He continued to work as a journalist, The Scotsman reported, writing for the Irish Independent.
John McLellan, current editor of The Scotsman, paid tribute to Ruddock last night.
“Alan Ruddock was a fine editor of The Scotsman, an instinctive journalist with a keen eye for political and business stories,’he told The Scotsman.
“He steered the paper at a crucial time for Scotland and his sharp brain combined with his Irish background meant he had a natural feel for the issues facing the country.
“He was a charming, fun and extremely helpful colleague. All our thoughts are with his family.”
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