Harry Smith: ITN's former Westminster correspondent and esteemed Scottish journalist dies

Respected Scottish journalist Harry Smith has died suddenly at the age of 69, his family has announced.

Scottish journalist Harry Smith has died suddenly at the age of 69, his family has announced

A message posted on his Twitter feed today said: “Very sadly Harry died suddenly early on Friday morning.

“It’s so hard to believe his energy and sense of fun are gone.

“Many of you will have known him for his strong opinions and humour on here.

“He’ll be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues.”

Mr Smith has worked as Westminster correspondent for ITN and STV, and was an occasional contributor to Channel 4 and Al Jazeera.

He began his career in 1969 as editor of the Forfar Dispatch, and later worked for Radio Forth in Edinburgh.

Tributes have been flooding in from friends and colleagues.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy posted: “I’m so sorry to hear this news. He will indeed be sorely missed. Was great to have him part of the C4N family in recent years after so long at ITN/STV.

“That’s a great picture you have posted of him. My best wishes and condolences.”

Edinburgh MP Joanna Cherry wrote: “Very sorry to hear this. A great journalist & a thoroughly decent man. Sincere condolences to his family & friends.”

Colin Mackay said: “Very sad news. I’ve really enjoyed his tweets since he retired and his comments on the news carried a great careers worth of insight.”

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