Tributes have been paid to a former chairman of the British Medical Association’s Scottish council, who died suddenly at the age of 67.
Dr Brian Keighley died at his home in Balfron, Stirlingshire, where he had served as a GP for the local community throughout his 38-year career.
Colleagues described him as a “caring and deeply committed doctor”.
Dr Keighley combined his GP and BMA work with a number of other roles with the Forth Valley Health Board, and as a justice of the peace in Stirling.
As chairman of the BMA’s Scottish council between 2009 and 2014, Dr Keighley acted as a “critical friend” to the medical profession by holding the government to account on issues such as pension reforms and NHS contractual and workforce changes.
Dr Keighley also played a key role in the BMA’s prominent support for the Scottish Government’s drive for the minimum pricing of alcohol. He was made an MBE in a ceremony earlier this year for services to healthcare.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to Dr Keighley, saying on Twitter: “So sorry to hear this. I worked with Brian when I was Health Secretary & he was a strong champion of GPs and the NHS.”
The current chairman of BMA Scotland, Dr Peter Bennie, said: “Dr Keighley made an immense contribution to the health service and healthcare in his lifetime, both in a prominent national leadership role for the BMA providing thoughtful, articulate and constructive advice and also at the heart of his local community.
“He was a passionate advocate for health professionals, improving the health of the population and the quality of healthcare services across Scotland and the UK.
“His sage advice, counsel and extensive knowledge of health service issues will be sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences are with Brian’s family and friends at this difficult time.”