Former The Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl has died at the age of 89.
The much-loved presenter hosted the popular gardening programme on BBC Scotland for 41 years, from when it began in 1978 until 2019.
In a statement confirming his death on Tuesday, McColl’s family paid tribute to the “husband, dad and grandad”.
They added: “He will be hugely missed not only by us, but by his friends, colleagues and a nation who he shared his passion for gardening with over four decades at The Beechgrove Garden.”
Geraldine McCartney, acting director of BBC Scotland, praised his “expert gardening advice and wisdom” on the show, which was produced by independent company Tern TV.
The station will air Jim McColl At 80 next month, celebrating the life and times of the gardening journalist who was born in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.
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Ms McCartney said: “Loved by viewers across the nation, he’ll be especially missed in the north-east, where he was a much-cherished part of the BBC Scotland and Tern TV teams for many years.
“Our thoughts are with Jim’s family, friends and colleagues.”
Jim McColl.
Pic: BBC/Kate Sutherland
Harry Bell, managing director at Tern TV, said McColl had a “spring in his step, a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for all folk”.
He added: “You’ll be fair missed, Jim. You were a local hero first and a Scottish national treasure next.
“Thank you for your immense contribution to gardening, broadcasting and steering so many of us on life’s muddy paths.”