TRIBUTES have been paid to the former depute rector of a prestigious Glasgow school following his death.

Sandy Strang who was both a pupil and teacher at Hutchesons' Grammar School, has died at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Mr Strang, a Cambridge graduate, spent almost 30 years at the school teaching English and was appointed Depute Rector in 1987.

He was also widely known outside Hutchie as an after-dinner speaker and newspaper columnist and was a talented cricketer.

The school said it had been inundated with tributes from former pupils at Hutchie whose alumni include Humza Yousaf, Scottish Minister for Transport, TV presenter Carol Smillie and influential psychiatrist RD Laing.

Mr Strang, who lived in Cardonald, is survived by his mother Maisie, who celebrated her 102nd birthday last year and was featured in the Evening Times.

Colin Gambles, rector of Hutchesons' Grammar School, said: “It was with great sadness that the School learnt of Sandy’s death after a short but aggressive illness. 

"Sandy was a dedicated Hutchesonian whose commitment to the school and its values is unparalleled. 

"His passion for Hutchesons’ was lifelong and as recently as December he gave a witty and insightful talk at the annual FP dinner in Glasgow.

“This morning the School’s social media channels have been flooded with tributes from many of his former pupils and they all share a common theme – they wouldn’t be the people they are today if not for Sandy Strang.”

Sports presenter Dougie Donnelly tweeted: "So sad to hear of the passing of the inspirational #SandyStrang. Passionate about education and sport and a fine speaker. @hutchesons #RIP."

Leon Smith, captain of the Great Britain Davis Cup Team tweeted: "Very sad news. Sandy Strang had a positive effect on so many of us."

Mr Strang joined the school as a teacher in the English department in 1974 and was appointed Depute Rector in 1987.

He left briefly to attain a 1st Class Honours Degree in English and Classics from Cambridge University and was awarded a sports “Blue” for association football, before returning to Hutchie to teach. 

The Apprentice judge Nick Hewer described Mr Strang as "one of the funniest men he had ever heard."