THE family of a prominent Scottish businessman who drowned while on holiday in the Canary Islands have told of their "great sadness" at his death.
Derek Mickel, a former chairman of housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel, was dragged into the sea by strong currents while swimming at Pajara on Fuerteventura on Saturday.
Four nearby swimmers managed to pull him from the waves and summon medical attention. However, a doctor and paramedics from the nearby Emergency Coordinator and Safety Centre were unable to save the 79-year-old.
Mr Mickel, of Whitecraigs, East Renfrewshire, had been involved in the family business for more than 50 years.
A spokesman for the Mickel family and Mactaggart & Mickel said: "It is with great sadness that the death of Mr Derek Mickel aged 79 has been confirmed. He died suddenly while on holiday in Fuerteventura on Saturday November 15.
"Mr Mickel was a prominent Scottish businessman, having joined the housebuilder as a third-generation family member in 1961, becoming a director in 1966 and serving as chairman of Mactaggart & Mickel for eight years up to 2012. He continued to be a director of the business.
"His son Andrew, a fourth-generation family member, joined the company in 2000 and is homes chairman and group director.
"There will most likely be a post-mortem given the sudden nature of his death, therefore no further details are available at this time.
"The family would request for a period of privacy and respect to be observed at this time."
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are aware of the death of a British national on 15 November at Fuerteventura, on the Canary Islands."
"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."
Some of the beaches off the stunning Canary Island's coastline are listed as dangerous on a local tourist website, with tides that can drag bathers out to sea.
In 2012, Mr Mickel received an award for outstanding achievement in the home building industry.
He was recognised before 700 people at the Homes for Scotland annual awards.
Mr Mickel was described at the ceremony as having been a vital part of the Glasgow-based company for 50 of its almost 90 years it has operated.
He had previously worked for leading Scottish architects Gillespie, Kidd and Coia.
At Mactaggart & Mickel, Mr Mickel pioneered the design of traditional homes within modern, pedestrian-friendly layouts using streetscapes and public areas to create a sense of community.
He was said to have made a huge contribution to the firm and the wider construction industry, especially as it diversified in the first decade of the millenium. Chief executive Ed Monaghan has previously praised Mr Mickel for his leadership and innovation.
Mactaggart & Mickel was part of the team responsible for transforming the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village into 700 new residential homes.
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