Industry in shock as Andy Carolan, Navigator founder and former Tangible chief dies after being struck by train

Originally from Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, Carolan had settled in Gullane outside Edinburgh and was was particularly well respected in the Scottish scene for his impressive record in running successful direct marketing businesses.

He started his career as a product manager at Alloa Brewery before joining Evans Hunt Scott where he became managing director.

From there he was approached by Jim Faulds of Faulds Advertising to launch and then run Navigator Responsive Advertising where he also had the title of MD.

The business was a success and Carolan eventually led an MBO out of Faulds. The agency later became one of Cello Group's first acquisitions with Carolan becoming Chairman of the expanded and rebranded Tangible group.

Said Gordon Young editor of The Drum: "This is a real tragedy. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed our meetings where we traded war stories of our times growing up in Bishopbriggs. My thoughts are with his wife and family."

Said Graeme Atha of the Marketing Society in Scotland, "This is a tremendous shock. I know he loved his golf and watching his kids grow up. He will be a real loss and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "Around 1.15pm on Friday, 16 November 2012 a man was struck and killed by a train at Longniddry station, East Lothian.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish his identity and the circumstances surrounding his death. At this stage there would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Tributes flood in as people remember Andy Carolan

Following the sad news many took to Twitter and Facebook to commemorate Andy Carolan.

Digital communications agency Dog Digital: “Dreadfully sad news. Andy was a personal friend to us and the business. Thoughts to his family, friends and Tangible colleagues".

Anthony Bibby, founder of Edinburgh-based creative consultancy FORTY-SIX: “RIP Andy Carolan. I owe so much to him. His friendship I'll always miss.”

Lee Jackson, former head of art at Navigator: “RIP Andy (Fatha) Carolan. A great boss and man - I owe him my career."

Andy Laing, former financial director Navigator: “Deeply saddened to hear the news about Andy Carolan - a mentor and role model for many years; and a bit of a hero to be honest.”

Julie Allan, former managing partner at Tangible: "Another career owed to Mr C. Can't sleep. V sad. x"

Chris Brennan: "Rip Andy Carolan boss, friend, inspiration....thoughts are with his family, thanks for all you taught me"

Howard Barber: "RIP Andy Carolan. Inspirational, dedicated, driven but most of all a gentleman and friend. Miss you"

Stewart Strachan: "Devastating news. My heart goes out to his family. Such a nice guy. And proud to have known him."

Julie Anderson: "That is shocking and very very sad. I remember him well."

Don Smith: "A man of real integrity. Seriously shocked and saddened."

Stuart Whibley: "Terrible shocking news, my thoughts are with his family."

Shayne Brodie: "Numb with shock - I've known him for nearly 30 years, a wonderful guy."

Gary Smith: "At the start of the week we were swapping emails, arranging to meet for a catch up. I can't believe it."

Josh Tetteh-Lartey: "Sad sad news"

adroit insight: "such sad news about Andy Carolan, he was a great inspiration. RIP"

Chris Hamilton: "Gutted to hear the news about Andy Carolan. A great guy who will be missed."

Jim Downie: "RIP Andy Carolan. Mates don't come any better."

Updated: Andy's funeral will take place at 10am on Thursday 29 November at St Matthew's Church, Bishopbriggs and then Maryhill Crematorium.

A book of memories of Andy is to be created and donated to his family - email rememberingandycarolan@gmail.com in order to contribute.

There is talk that a memorial service will also be held for Carolan in the New Year as well, The Drum has been informed.