TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved and highly regarded Greenock man who passed away earlier this month.

Ian McCrorie, who taught chemistry and was assistant rector at Greenock Academy, passed away peacefully on December 5 at Ardgowan Hospice at the age of 78.

Ian was born in Union Street, Greenock, on May 6, 1941, the night of the Greenock Blitz, and lived all his life in the town.

He was well known in the Inverclyde community and much further afield not only for his teaching but for his interest in music and role as a top choirmaster, as a writer, noted Burnsian, lifelong churchgoer, charity stalwart and enthusiast of Clyde ferries and steamers and leading member of the Clyde River Steamer Club.

Friend Deryk Docherty, 72, who he met through a shared interest in steamers, described Ian as an 'effervescent character who will be missed by hundreds'.

He said: “Ian was a very charismatic individual and his charisma came out in everything he did.

“He was never still, he was always on the go and had an interest in many things.

“Ian was a very special person who will be a big loss to the community.

“He was a Greenock boy at heart and will be missed by all who knew him.

"He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.”

Ian served almost 40 years at Greenock Academy - the school where he had been head boy - latterly as head of guidance and assistant rector, and he helped countless pupils with their university applications.

Ian was conductor of the acclaimed Toad Choir which went on to become the Scottish Philharmonic Singers and later the Scottish Festival Singers.

He was awarded the MBE for services to music and the community of Inverclyde in 2007 and was active in the Church of Scotland, was a church organist and was also involved in the scouting movement.

Ian published his first book on Clyde and Hebridean steamers in 1964 and went on to have a prolific successful writing career.

Due to his knowledge he became the official historian for Caledonian MacBrayne.

In a statement CalMac paid tribute to 'a dear friend'.

They said: “Our thoughts are with the family of our dear friend Ian McCrorie who sadly passed away.

"Ian will be greatly missed by all of us here at CalMac.”

Local man Stuart Wilson, a former pupil, said: “Ian McCrorie was my teacher, then my mentor and then my friend.

“We shared many good times and laughs over 30 years.

“His death leaves the world a sadder place.”

Ian is survived by his wife Olive, who he first met at piano lessons at school.

The pair were married in 1965 and had two sons, Roderick, born in 1968, and Douglas, born in 1972.

The pair have one grandson, Finlay, son of Douglas.

There was a huge turnout as a service of thanksgiving held last Monday where hundreds of people paid their respects.