A Kirriemuir journalist described as a “force of nature” by colleagues has died, aged 48.
Tributes have been paid to Jane Simpson, who started her career with the Press & Journal in the early 1990s and was involved in establishing its Angus district office.
The reporter died after a long illness.
Born on April 2 1971, Ms Simpson grew up in Kirriemuir and went to Northmuir Primary School and then Webster’s Secondary School.
After starting her career with DC Thomson, Ms Simpson moved to Glasgow to work for the Sunday Mail and then the Mail on Sunday.
Her reporting at the Mail on Sunday earned a nomination at the Scottish Press Awards in 2009.
Tributes have been pouring in for Ms Simpson since her passing.
Mail on Sunday news and feature writer Patricia Kane said: “Jane touched the hearts of many who worked with her, not only because of her wit and sunny disposition but because of her empathy for others around her, despite her own challenges.
“She was a brilliant, determined and versatile writer with a flair for words. But above all she had a huge heart and was a loyal and loving friend to those of us lucky to have known her.
“Her life and career were cut short far too soon but she leaves behind a legacy of memories we will always cherish.”
Jane’s sister, Lesley Anne Davies, said she had died after a “huge battle fought and lost” and described her as “one of a kind”.
Journalist Graham Ogilvy, who first met Jane in the early 1990s when the P&J’s Angus office was being set up, said: “Jane was a force of nature and showed boundless energy breaking and following up stories.
“I later worked with her at the Sunday Mail and Mail on Sunday where she was widely respected for her professionalism and ability. Her tragically early demise will sadden many of her former colleagues in Scottish journalism.”
Ms Simpson was a keen swimmer and was a member of Dundee Swimming Club.
She was also a horse rider and in her youth, kept horses in Kirriemuir.
A funeral will take place at Dundee Crematorium on November 19.
Ms Simpson is survived by her two grown-up children, Rebecca and Nicholas.
