Highland Councillor John Ford who represented the Culloden and Ardersier Ward in Inverness has died suddenly while on holiday.
Councillor Ford, a member of the Council's Labour group, has served on The Highland Council since becoming elected in May 2003, attending committee meetings at Glenurquhart Road and Inverness Town House.
Provost Helen Carmichael who chairs the City of Inverness Committee said: "John was a very hard working and conscientious councillor, who was very close to the community he served. He was a popular member of the Council and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His attention to detail and scrutiny of detailed financial matters was second to none. He certainly was a great help and inspiration to me and I am sure all my fellow councillors will have lots of special memories of him. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Leader of the Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "John was a tremendous leader in his community and made a big contribution during his many years on the Council. I have called on his energy expertise on many occasions, particularly when dealing with hydro scheme applications. We will all have good memories of John will miss him."
Councillor Ford's broad ranging life experience was also a great help to officers in the Council and Partner Organisations.
Councillor Jimmy Gray, Leader of the Labour Group at the Council added: "I had the pleasure of knowing John for many years. He was a deeply caring person, a very conscientious councillor and great company. He was respected right across the political spectrum thanks to his sense of fairness. So many people will be saddened by this loss."