The editor of the Brechin Advertiser, Andrew Ducat, retired from the paper on Friday after 10 years as editor.
It brought an end to his 37-year career in journalism which began as a junior reporter on the Forfar Dispatch.
He worked his way up to become editor of the paper - later taking up editorship of the Kirriemuir Herald and finally the Brechin Advertiser.
A lengthy piece featured in last week’s paper on Ducat’s retirement, in which he told readers how “over almost four decades I have been part of an industry that’s moved from the typewriter to the computer, from black and white editions to full colour”.
He added: “Reflecting over 37 roller-coaster years in a career that threw up something different practically every day, I will leave with countless happy memories, and a sense of achievement in a number of areas.”
Ducat said: “There’s little doubt the Brechiner suffered a major blow in May of last year, with the untimely death of [reporter] Steve Mitchell.
“I was stunned by that early Sunday morning news, for Steve was not only a trusted colleague, but a very close friend.
“I often think of Steve while bashing out sports copy on a Sunday morning, remembering the days when I used to sub his latest tale on the fortunes of his beloved Brechin City.
“I will continue to remember him, but it will be over a bacon roll and a coffee as I glean through the Sunday papers - without having to think of popping down to the office to catch up with work.”
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