Tributes have been paid to the late Richard Findlay, the former chair of Creative Scotland and the National Theatre of Scotland.

He stood down from his role at the national arts funding body last week, and died on July 8 after a short illness, his family have announced.

Mr Findlay, CBE, was appointed chairman of Creative Scotland in January 2015, and was the former chief executive of Scottish Radio Holdings, as well as chair of STV.

Mr Findlay graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he trained as an actor.

He held senior posts in the media in the UK and Ireland and chaired the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh for six years in the 1990s.

He was made a CBE for services to the arts and creative industries in 2013.

A statement from his family said: "With sadness we announce the death of Richard Findlay CBE.

"He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather.

"Special friend to many."

Mr Findlay's family have established a Just Giving site online to raise money for Cancer Research and record memories and tributes.

Janet Archer, chief executive of Creative Scotland said: "All of us at Creative Scotland are profoundly saddened to hear the news of Richard's death.

"Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this difficult and very private time."

A statement from the National Theatre of Scotland said: "We at the National Theatre of Scotland were devastated to hear of the passing of Richard Findlay this morning.

"Throughout his career he was a passionate and committed champion of the arts, and as our founding chairman he was instrumental in shaping the National Theatre of Scotland into the company it is today. He will be sorely missed."

The Royal Conservatoire posted on Twitter: "It's with sadness we hear of the death of Richard Findlay - passionate advocate and activist for Scotland's arts and media landscape."