Obituary: Photographer Rob Brown, 50

Tributes have been paid to Midlothian Council's photographer and liaison officer, Rob Brown, who died suddenly last week aged 50.

Rob Brown was born in Bonnyrigg in 1959. Orphaned at the age of six, he was brought up by the Spence family in Bonnyrigg, and attended Lasswade High School.

He was heavily involved with the 51st Edinburgh Boys Brigade in Bonnyrigg, and was a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award winner.

He studied photography at Napier College and went on to his first job at the Bush Estate before working at Dunfermline College in Falkirk, then Telford College in Edinburgh before settling at Jewel and Esk Valley College for 17 years.

He joined Midlothian Council in 2001 as liaison officer, a role that brought him into contact with staff throughout the council as well as individuals and groups throughout Midlothian.

Mr Brown was a freelance wedding photographer for a number of years and will be remembered fondly by families across the whole of Midlothian when they look back on their special day.

Provost Adam Montgomery, who worked closely with Mr Brown, said: "It is with great sadness that I am paying tribute to Rob Brown, who died suddenly last Friday evening.

"In his capacity as council liaison officer Rob never failed to make a lasting impression with his attention to detail and wry sense of humour."

He was noted for his way with people and colleagues said whether he was taking photographs of schoolchildren, families or visiting dignitaries he put them at ease and always managed to capture the one moment which made everyone look their best.

Mr Montgomery said: "Council meetings and events within the Chambers were also in Rob's domain, and nothing was too much trouble when it came to the behind the scenes organisation required for the smooth running of everything he was involved in.

"As the provost of Midlothian I worked very closely with Rob, and I know the rest of my colleagues share my devastation at the loss of a colleague and friend.

"Rob Brown was always easygoing and cheerful and it is no surprise that his funeral, expected to be on Saturday, is to be marked by the wearing of bright colours to reflect his personality.

"On behalf of everyone at Midlothian Council, I offer our sincere condolences to his partner, family and friends. We will not see your like again."

Mr Brown will be sadly missed by his partner Bill, family and many, many friends.