Tributes have poured in for a much-loved minister who died after a battle with cancer.

Reverend Alan Birss sadly passed away on December 9 at the age of 69, after being diagnosed with stage-four oesophageal cancer in September.

The devastating news was shared in a family statement on his wife Carol's social media page.

It read: "This is a notice which is for us devastating to have to publish.

"It is with much sadness that we write to advise that Alan passed away on Friday 9th of December at home in Aboyne with Carol by his side.

"He had been diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer late September and had been battling and persevering with palliative treatment.

"Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he succumbed to the illness, after suffering what is believed to be a massive internal haemorrhage.

"We are incredibly grateful for the immense love and all the prayers that have been given to all of us these last months. Alan was quite overcome, but greatly strengthened by this.

"We will all miss Alan so much. He was the most wonderful of husbands and the most loving of fathers. Our lives will never be the same without this very special man.

"He is now at peace with the God he loved and served all his life."

The news was met with hundreds of tributes, including from Gerry Green who wrote: "Sorry to hear about this sad news. A wonderful man who will be remembered for all his good work. RIP."

Jennifer Jo said: " have very fond memories of Alan, from his first warm welcome to us at the Abbey, and then his continued warmth as we enjoyed his ministry."

Jamie Russell added: "He was a brilliant man, I have amazing memories of his services from when I was younger. My thoughts are with you."

Reverend Birss' funeral service will be held at Paisley Abbey on Wednesday, December 21 at 11.15am and this will be followed by a private cremation.

A thanksgiving service will be held in Aboyne in the New Year.

His family have requested family flowers only, and donations in lieu can be made to Paisley Abbey (Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JG).