Hundreds of friends, colleagues and family members gathered for the funeral of journalist Iain Ferguson at Ayr's Masonhill Crematorium today (Wednesday, August 9),

The much loved former editor of the Ayr Advertiser, Irvine Times and Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald died recently after a short illness.

Prestwick man Iain spent his later years as press officer at Ayr Racecourse, another job he loved.

So many turned up to pay their respects to Iain that many had to stand outside the crematorium building to listen to a heartfelt and moving eulogy from his niece, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

In an emotional speech, she spoke of Iain as a major influence throughout her life who supported her all the way.

Ms Sturgeon said Iain's family was the biggest thing in his life, especially his wife Elaine, daughters Emma and Lorna and and grandchildren he doted on, Isabella, Jasmine, Molly and Ben.

'Fergie' began his career in 1971 with the news agency at Prestwick Airport, where he famously once interviewed Bing Crosby.

He then joined Ayrshire Weekly Press, where he would edit the Prestwick Times before moving on to the Irvine Times, Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald and the Ayr Advertiser.

He would join the Daily Record in 1989 as a news reporter and in 1996 was appointed deputy chief reporter.

He switched to the Sunday Mail in 1999 as deputy news editor, then news editor and finally assistant editor before returning to the Record in late 2000 as assistant editor, heading up the news operation.

Iain and his colleagues Anna Smith and Charlie Beaton were voted Reporter of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards in 1997 for their work on the Celtic Boys Club abuse story.

Fergie went on to host and produce the West Sound Sports Show, with close friend Jim McSherry among his co-hosts.

Always a keen punter, Fergie was PR man at Ayr Racecourse for 20 years before retiring last year.

His 'Home Straight' racing column was a popular feature of all the Ayrshire Weekly Press titles from early 2018 onwards, and his weekly look at the local and national racing scene continued after he retired less than a year ago until he took ill last month.

His niece Nicola today revealed she was in the process of writing an autobiography about her time as First Minister.

She told reporters: "It is slightly bitter sweet today, though, as I head to the funeral of my uncle, the journalist Iain Ferguson. This is something that I always hoped we might work together on some day. Instead, it will be a book I dedicate to him.”

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.