TRIBUTES have been paid to former Evening Times journalist Allan Caldwell who has died at the age of 63.

Allan, known to friends as Clad, worked for Glasgow’s favourite paper for many years and was involved in leading investigations, setting the agenda and breaking news in our three print editions.

He earned the respect of his peers as being one of Scotland’s finest journalists who was equally adept at print and broadcast journalism. He enjoyed a career with the BBC before joining the Evening Times. He then went on to work as a freelance journalist.

During his time with the paper he took on the role of Father of the Chapel of the Evening Times National Union of Journalists branch and was a fierce negotiator when it came to representing colleagues and fighting for staff rights.

He regularly held court at journalist hang out the Press Bar in Albion Street which was home to the Herald and Times for many years.

His sister Gail Caldwell said he was the "kindest" big brother.

Gail said: "There is so much to say about such a wonderful human being. That he was the best dad to Sharon and Sarah Jane, best brother to myself, Andy and John, papa to Cameron and uncle to too many to mention.

"He was the kindest, most bighearted brother we could have wished for with compassion and thoughtfulness in unlimited amounts. His passion for journalism through his life, has enriched so many people over the years and he was truly a leader in his field. He was fearless in his search for truth and justice. His life enriched so many of ours and as such, will be irreplaceable to those that loved him."

Friend and former leader of Glasgow City Council Steven Purcell said: “For the few people that Allan let close to him, he was always a steadfast friend.

“In the past few years of his life, it was lovely to see him completely besotted by his grandson Cameron and have the joy of so much time in the company of his daughters Sharon and Sarah-Jane.

“A west of Scotland man of the old school but could adopt a modern friend like me.

“I will only remember the good times,” he added.

Evening Times news editor Deborah Anderson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that our friend and former colleague Allan has died.

“He helped me when I first joined the paper and he was a character to have around the newsroom. However first and foremost he was a first class journalist who always got the story.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Many friends and former colleagues shared their memories of Allan on social media.

Former colleague Alistair Nicol said: “I worked and “played” with Clad at the Evening Times for about ten years.

“He truly was one of a kind with a penchant for getting stuck in.”

Scottish media laywer David McKie said: “Terrible news. I learned how to legal stories by going through his copy when he was with the Evening Times and not sleeping too well after approving his copy.

“He was an excellent reporter. So sad to hear this.”

Former picture editor Alistair Stars said: “He was a great investigating journalist. Another sad loss.”

Vivienne Nicoll, who worked alongside Allan, said: “He was a great friend and a fantastic journalist.

“He was one of the best foot in the door men I have ever encountered.”