Western Isles councillor Bill Houston has died suddenly.
The recently elected councillor for the Uig and North Lochs ward was found dead at his Leurbost home on Saturday morning.
Mr Houston was seriously ill early this year and suffered a brain haemorrhage at the start of the local council election campaign.
His death is a shock to family and colleagues as he appeared be recovering from his illness.
He stood on the SNP ticket in this May after taking early retirement as head of Leisure and Learning services at the Comhairle.
Mr Houston had worked in local government in different areas of Scotland for 35 years.
He originally came to the islands in 1998 to take up the post of Deputy Director of Education and Leisure Services.
Mr Houston previously stood as a SNP parliamentary candidate for Stirling 1983 and in Falkirk in 1992.
He took a step back from politics following the birth of his first son in 1992.
Mr Houston is survived by two sons Cameron and Niall and daughter Christie. His wife Eleanor died in recent years.
SNP Group Leader Donald Manford said his death was a “huge loss” and colleagues were devastated by the news.
He said Mr Houston’s death was a “huge loss. Our first thoughts are with his sons and daughter at this time.”
Sudden death of councillor Bill Houston 15/9/12