Tributes as aviation writer Jim Ferguson dies

NORTH east politicians today united in paying tribute to Jim Ferguson, the Aberdeen-based aviation writer who died this morning after suffering a stroke.

Mr Ferguson, who was 74, had been admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary earlier this week.

He was a frequent commentator on major North Sea helicopter incidents and other aviation issues on both the BBC and STV and also contributed to The Scotsman.

Angus Robertson, the Moray MP and SNP defence spokesman said: “Jim Ferguson was a real help to all dealing with defence, SAR (search and rescue) and aerospace issues.”

Richard Lochhead, the SNP Environment Secretary and Moray MSP said: “Jim Ferguson was a familiar face in the media, always able to offer wise insight on aviation issues.”

Lewis Macdonald, the North east Labour MSP said: “I was saddened to learn of the death of Jim Ferguson. His expertise in aviation and his persistence in pursuing a case will be greatly missed.”

And Kevin Stewart, the SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said Mr Ferguson had been “an invaluable source of expertise on aviation and defence.”

A spokeswoman for Aberdeen International Airport also paid tribute. She said Mr Ferguson, who is survived by his wife Linda, had been “a wealth of airport information and a champion of our operation.”