Scottish Water boss Richard Ackroyd dies aged 53
The chief executive of Scottish Water has died suddenly at the age of 53.
Richard Ackroyd had been chief executive of the utility firm for almost five years.
A statement released by Scottish Water said its executive leadership team and chairman Ronnie Mercer would take over Mr Ackroyd's role with immediate effect.
It credited Mr Ackroyd with guiding the business through its most successful period of growth and development.
Prior to joining Scottish Water, father-of-two Mr Ackroyd had been a director of Yorkshire Water.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her thoughts were with Mr Ackroyd's family and colleagues.
She added: "Richard led Scottish Water for almost five years, enhancing the organisation's performance and reputation throughout.
"Scottish Water is an organisation we can all be proud of and that is a tribute to Richard's exceptional leadership qualities."