Tributes have been paid to former British Medical Association Scotland chairman Dr Brian Keighley following his sudden death aged 67.
Dr Keighley died at his home this morning.
No further details were given about how he died.
Current chair Dr Peter Bennie said he had made an "immense contribution" to the NHS and health care, while continuing to work in his local community as a GP.
Dr Keighley led the BMA’s Scottish Council between 2009 and 2014, and closely involved with the organisation for more than 35 years in a range of roles.
Dr Keighley was highly regarded by colleagues both for his role as a general practitioner serving the community of Balfron for 38 years before retiring in 2013 and for combining this with a national role representing the medical profession in the development of health policy across the UK, and since devolution, in Scotland in particular.
He worked in a wide range of roles, serving with distinction as a member of the General Medical Council and the Royal College of General Practitioners Council.
The BMA said he worked hard balance the interests of the medical profession with ensuring a wider benefit to society through striving to support excellence in health and healthcare.
Dr Keighley lived and worked in his local community throughout his career, providing a very traditional, hands-on pastoral role to his patients, he was described by colleagues as a caring and deeply committed doctor.
As well as being a highly valued community GP, Dr Keighley also worked as medical officer for the Drymen Show for many years, in a number of roles for Forth Valley Health Board, and more recently he had assumed a role as JP.
The BMA said he made a "significant contribution to Scotland" as chair of the BMA in Scotland.
The organisation said he held the Scottish Government on account on a range of issues from public sector pension reform, NHS contractual change and medical workforce development.
The BMA said under Dr Keighley, it played a key role in relation to hugely important public health issues. Dr Keighley was a prominent voice in advancing the case and supporting the Scottish Government’s drive for the minimum pricing of alcohol.
Dr Bennie said: “Dr Keighley made an immense contribution to the health service and healthcare in his lifetime, both in a prominent national leadership role for the BMA providing thoughtful, articulate and constructive advice and also at the heart of his local community.
“He was a passionate advocate for health professionals, improving the health of the population and the quality of health care services across Scotland and the UK.
“In 2014 he was awarded a CBE in recognition of the impact he had on so many people’s lives through the very many roles and contributions he had made.
“His sage advice, counsel and extensive knowledge of health service issues will be sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences are with Brian’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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