Broadcaster Hume dies, aged 62

George Hume: Gentle caustic wit

Veteran broadcaster George Hume has died aged 62 following a long illness.

Hume, who worked for the Scottish Daily Express and the BBC during a career spanning more than 40 years, died on Thursday night after battling with heart disease and diabetes, BBC Scotland said.

After starting his career on the Express, he joined the BBC Scotland newsroom in 1978 and later worked as a freelance broadcaster on programmes such as Hume at Large.

A BBC spokesman said: "He was recognised as the first investigative reporter of the modern era and will be remembered especially for his gentle caustic wit."

Fearless and intelligent

The controller of BBC Scotland, John McCormick, said Hume's death was a great loss to Scottish journalism.

"I knew George as many people did - an insightful, fearless and intelligent journalist whose eloquence on air was matched only by his wit, humour and good company," added Mr McCormick.

"He was a distinguished writer and broadcaster. Scottish journalism has lost one of its biggest personalities."