Photographers and senior politicians paid tribute yesterday to the renowned freelance photographer Gordon Jack, who died after a fall in Dunblane.

Mr Jack, 47, became unwell as he and colleagues captured the arrival of Andy Murray and Kim Sears at the city's Cathedral for their wedding rehearsal on Friday.

Yesterday, the Herald photographer Gordon Terris, a close friend of Mr Jack's, paid his own tribute.

"Gordon was the best. He had a heart of gold," Mr Terris said. "He was an exceptional photographer, and he was just the kind of person you would want in the trenches with you."

He added: "Gordon was a staff photographer at the Daily Record for many years and he covered Kosovo, Afghanistan and many other big stories.

"He is a huge loss to the photographic community in Scotland. His passing is devastating for his wife, Gill, their two daughters and son.

"It is just awful news, and none of us can believe it has happened."

Mr Jack ran the Scotimage agency in Linlithgow, West Lothian, and did freelance newspaper and public relations work.

Reports said he was taken unwell on Friday and that he was taken by ambulance to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, but died on Saturday afternoon.

Tricia Marwick, Presiding Officer at Holyrood, tweeted: "So sad to hear about the death of photographer Gordon Jack. A gentleman and great fun. Condolences to his family."

Lord McConnell described his death as 'terrible news,' adding: "Incredible photographer & very nice man. Condolences to family & friends."

Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow MSP and Culture Secretary, said in a tweet: "So sad to hear about Gordon Jack, known well in Linlithgow and nationally, great photographer and leaves a lovely family, thoughts with them."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had already tweeted her condolences, saying: "Totally devastated to hear about the death of Gordon Jack. A lovely man and a great photographer. My thoughts with his family & colleagues."

Hearts FC said Mr Jack "was always a welcome figure at Tynecastle" and said its thoughts and prayers were with his family.

Photographer David Moir, formerly of Edinburgh and now based in Australia, said in a tweet that Mr Jack was "Probably one of the best operators in the news world and a true loving father."

Stuart Nicol, Mr Jack's former boss at the Daily Record, said yesterday: "He was immense; in my opinion, he was the best news photographer in Scotland by a country mile. His real key skill was that he cared passionately about the story and worked very hard to make it work, not just the picture side of it."