POPULAR Inverclyde photographer Gavin Young has passed away at the age of 69.

Mr Young was well-known for his droll humour and unflappable professionalism at events around the country.

The self-employed Gourockian specialised in commercial and industrial photography, taking pictures at many weddings and working for various companies, such as IBM, Compaq, CalMac and the British Waterways Board.

He was also hired regularly by Scott Lithgow, covering launches and documenting the yards down the years, and worked with his brother, George Young, before branching out on his own and retiring four years ago.

Gavin’s wife, Irene, said today: “Gavin loved taking pictures.

“Photography was his passion as well as his job.

“He was amazed by the new digital technology and enjoyed using it.” Irene said people would often come up to Gavin and thank him for the pictures he took at their weddings many years ago.

As well as photography, he loved sailing and kept a boat at Tighnabruaich on the Kyles of Bute, from where he sailed around the Scottish coast.

Irene said: “He loved Scotland and its scenery.

“We had many happy family sailing holidays together with our daughter Carly and son Ian.

“We had a lot of fun and laughter, and there was never a dull moment.

“He also enjoyed photographing yacht racing and classic boats.” Gavin was a car enthusiast too, and owned a variety of vehicles over the years.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Jack and Cameron.