Ian Bell, Scottish journalist, dies aged 59

Ian Bell

Ian Bell, award-winning Scottish journalist, dies aged 59. Tributes paid to Herald columnist, a two-time journalist of the year and winner of the Orwell prize for political journalismHerald and Times Group building Magnus Llewellin, editor-in-chief of the Herald and Times Group, described Ian Bell as ‘a great writer and a lovely man’. Tributes have been paid to the award-winning journalist Ian Bell, who has died at the age of 59.The writer, named journalist of the year twice, began his career as a subeditor before turning to political journalism. He went on to become a columnist and leader writer for the Herald and Sunday Herald.Bell won the Orwell prize for political journalism in 1997 and was named columnist of the year on several occasions.His death was confirmed by Magnus Llewellin, editor-in-chief of the Herald and Times Group, who described the journalist as “a great writer and a lovely man”. Bell is survived by his wife, Mandy, and his son, Sean.The stories you need to read, in one handy email. Read moreIn a statement in the Herald, Sean Bell said: “Our family has lost a husband, a father and a son and Scotland has lost its finest journalist. He set a standard none shall ever reach again yet he inspired us to never stop trying.”Tributes were paid on social media after news of his death emerged.The playwright David Greig said on Twitter: “Oh this is so sad. Such a loss. Thoughts to all friends and colleagues. It seems such a small consideration in the face of grief, but if ever we needed Ian Bell’s voice and writing, it is in Scotland now.”Journalist Kevin McKenna said: “Am distraught at the passing of Ian Bell. He was quite simply the best at what the rest of us try to do … and the most gentle and humble.” Mike Dailly, a solicitor at the Govan Law Centre, said: “Very sorry to hear Ian Bell of Herald Scotland has died. He was an insightful and thoughtful columnist and I enjoyed reading his opinions.” The broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli said: “The Scottish columnist of the year was affectionately known as the Ian Bell prize, he won it that often.” Writing in the Herald, Llewellin said: “Ian was a great writer and, more importantly, a great man. His was a vital voice in the national conversation but, more than that, he was a man of profound depth with a hinterland in literature, history and the arts, as demonstrated by the many awards he won as a journalist and author. Our thoughts are with his family and his many, many friends.”His death comes days after Scotland lost another celebrated writer, the author William McIlvanney, at the age of 79. The Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, tweeted: “We have lost Willie McIlvanney and Ian Bell in just one week. Too much.”Source: http://www.theguardian.com/