A campaigner from Moray with a love of the outdoors has died at the age of 74 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
Super-fit John Smith, from Birnie near Elgin, raised nearly £8,000 to aid the fight against MND after penning a book of children’s tales called The Robert Stories.
Friends and family also supported the cause by running their own fundraiser to support the outdoors enthusiast, who climbed every munro in Scotland at least three times.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
The grandfather, who was originally from Birmingham and moved to the north-east in 1991, continued to climb hills despite suffering from the effects of the disease.
Before his death earlier this month, Mr Smith asked for his organs from his body to be donated to medical research in order to aid diagnosis and treatment of MND.
His remaining ashes will be scattered by his family on Ben Rinnes following his commitment to the landmark as a member of the Friends of Ben Rinnes committee, which involved improving paths at the landmark so more could enjoy the views.
The keen kayaker and jazz musician, who played piano in a swing band, also served as a member of the John Muir Trust, Heldon Community Council and Birnie Village Hall as well as offering his handyman skills to countless other community groups.
Following his retirement from Diageo in 1996 he developed a passion for bread making, which he passed on to a younger generation by volunteering at Elgin Youth Cafe.
Mr Smith is survived by his wife Patricia, three daughters Sarah, Annabel and Melanie and three grandchildren Ella, Joe and Robin.
