Scottish crime writer Peter May dies aged 74
BBCPeter May, one of Scotland's most prolific television writers and crime authors, has died at the age of 74.
The news of his death was announced by his wife and fellow author Janice Hally, who said she had "no words" to express the loss.
May died on Friday at his home in the south of France where he had lived for many years and had been nominated for several awards.
He sold about 15 million copies of his books around the world, and the novel he said would be his last - Island of the Dead - is to be published in January 2027.
A tribute from close friend and publisher, Jon Riley, said although May had announced his retirement and was looking forward to sharing it with his beloved wife, he found there was one more novel in him.
Riley said May was preparing for a farewell tour of Scotland and Lewis to coincide with publication of his last novel in January.
He went onto say May was not only one of the best writers of crime fiction but he inspired "enormous affection" in his readers and those who worked with him.
He said: "His kindness, generosity and largeness of spirit, loyalty, engagement with life, and the world, made him a much-loved, as well as much- admired figure.
"He is irreplaceable."
Born in Glasgow, May began his career as a journalist in Scotland, winning Young Journalist of the Year at age 21, and published his first novel, The Reporter, at the age of 26 in 1976.
After it was adapted as a BBC drama series, he quit journalism for television, and became a successful scriptwriter and producer on Take the High Road and the Gaelic soap Machair, set on the Isle of Lewis.
The first book in May's 'Lewis Trilogy', The Blackhouse, was first published in French in 2009 and then in English in 2011. It won the 2011 Cezam Prix Littéraire Inter CE - a readers' prize for best novel by a European author, published in France.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his regret at hearing news of May's death.
He said: "I have hugely enjoyed Peter May's evocative books set in the Hebrides.
"His description of events in some of the most precious places in our landscape was so stunning.
"I extend my sympathy to his family."
