Ian Stuart Black, television and film writer, author; born March 21, 1915, died October 13, 1997

Ian Stuart Black, who has died at the age of 82, was one of the leading creative writers in the post-war years of what was to become known as the golden age of television drama.

Although born in London because his parents happened to be there at the time, he never left you in any doubt that he was a Scot and that, no matter where his work took him, Scotland would be his homeland. An uncle had been Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

After demob from RAF Intelligence in 1946 he became a scenario editor with Rank at Pinewood studios and later helped initiate Fabian of the Yard, one of the first filmed television series. He will best be remembered as creator, producer, and a writer of Danger Man, starring Patrick McGoohan, the first British television series to make a major impact in America.

This led McGoohan on to another cult series, The Prisoner, which is still shown in many countries and has attracted an increasing following with the passing of the years. Black wrote the screenplays for three of the stories for Dr Who, the biggest cult series of all time. One of his daughters, actress Isobel Black, played key roles in The Avengers, yet another landmark series, still with regular screenings on satellite.

Black had been to university in Manchester where he took a degree in philosophy. A tall, elegantly good-looking man, he entered the business as an actor with Sir Donald Wolfit's touring company. It was there that he met his wife, actress Anne Brooke. She later revealed she had kept him at a distance because she was suspicious of actors. But her attitude changed when she discovered he was a budding writer.

As a writer, Black became a versatile all-rounder. Other television series for which he wrote included The Man in Room 17, Sir Francis Drake, Sentimental Agent, The Invisible Man, and Adam Adamant.

Stage writing included the black comedy We Must Kill Toni which ran in the West End and was made into a film with Bob Monkhouse. One of his novels, The High Bright Sun, about urban terrorism in Cyprus, was filmed, starring Dirk Bogarde, Susan Strasberg, George Chakiris, and Denholm Elliot. He also wrote novelisations of his Dr Who stories.

Black had a love of good food and drink, particularly malt whiskies. He liked to travel and spent much time in Argyll where he wrote and relaxed. His tastes in music ranged from fifties and sixties pop, through jazz and opera. He had a passionate interest in sports like golf, rugby, and cricket. He was a genial host

and a brilliant conversationalist, always happy to share his enthusiasms with others.

When he knew his life was nearly over he eased the burden for those around him by telling them he had loved his life, loved his work.

His wife died in 1986 and he leaves two sons and two daughters.