10/04/2008

The Aberdeen media fraternity has been shocked by the sudden death of freelance journalist, George McKay. Aged only 50, he is believed to have died from an enlarged heart
condition.

He began his career with DC Thomson, and then set up his own news agency in Aberdeen - specialising in coverage of the courts - supplying copy to newspapers across the UK.

Ultimately, disillusioned with the threats he was getting from criminal offenders, especially those in the drugs trade in north-east Scotland, he closed his agency, and spent some time on a journalistic enterprise in Paris.

However, when it failed to live up to his expectations, he returned to Aberdeen where he had retained his flat, and held several unchallenging posts in the retail and leisure industries.

Former Scottish correspondent for the Press Gazette magazine, Hamish Mackay, writes: “George’s death comes as a great blow to us all in Aberdeen. I spent time with him just a few days ago, and although he didn’t appear to be too well, he was cheery and up-to-date with current events in the city.

“George was essentially a very reserved, private man. I don’t think he ever mentioned his family although I know he is survived by an aunt and uncle.

“He was partial to a pint and was always a very lively participant in these sessions when we journalists put the world to rights. He had an excellent and combative intelligence and loved nothing better than indulging in wordplay with his fellow hacks.

“George was a kind, generous  and loyal friend, and a conscientious and dedicated journalist who had perhaps wearied of the human condition with its emphasis on materialism and greed. He lived frugally and was dismayed with ostentatious displays of wealth, and unhappy with the revolving door scenario in our judicial system. I certainly know that he took the threats to his life from the criminal fraternity very seriously. However, he was much liked and admired for his professionalism by court officials, the Aberdeen sheriffs, and the legal fraternity.

“I will very much miss George’s banter, sharp wit and intellectual challenges, and I am very, very  sad that life appeared to deal him not the best of hands, and his personal life was not more fulfilled."

His funeral will be at Aberdeen Crematorium on Monday, at 3.20pm.

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