TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved West Kilbride grandfather who passed away after contracting coronavirus.

Kenneth Charles Ling died just a few months short of his 80th birthday due a combination of lung disease pulmonary fibrosis and Covid-19.

Kenneth was happily married to his beloved wife Thelma for 59 years and well known in the village.

Friends and colleagues this week praised Kenneth's intellect, ingenuity and sense of humour.

James Campbell said: "Kenneth was a kind and generous host who enjoyed nothing more than presiding over barbecues in his immaculate garden.

"He enjoyed his golf at West Kilbride Golf Club and in Spain.

"He played skilful successful bridge for 45 years with his partner Rankin Durnin and built up a fearsome reputation playing with Thelma at Largs and West Kilbride Bridge clubs, as well as at congresses throughout Scotland.

"Ken did not suffer fools gladly. As risk assessor for Zurich Insurance he fell foul of a number of clients – but he was always right.

"To make up for this he had a smile from Ardrossan to Cumbrae and an infectious laugh to go with it.

"It was great to be in his company. He will be greatly missed."

Kenneth held a number of important positions with local clubs and groups up until his passing last week.

He lived in West Kilbride with wife Thelma and was prominent in horticultural, golf, and bridge circles across the North Coast district.

Born in Birmingham on, July 18, 1940, Ken graduated from Birmingham University as a chemical engineer and enjoyed a successful career across the UK and abroad before retiring to pursue his passion for golf, travel, bridge and gardening.

Ken was the current chairman of Largs Bridge Club and the former chairman of West Kilbride Horticultural Society.

He is survived by Thelma and his three sons Nathan, Matthew and Jonathan, as well as his five grandchildren. Friends said he 'enjoyed every minute spent with them'.

Ken teamed up with Rankin to form a formidable Bridge partnership, which started in the mid-1970s.

Rankin said: "It was a pleasure to play with Ken for 45 years, and the many highs that we achieved.when we first joined Ardeer club. We were known as the boys. l can easily say that when I was unavailable the partners who substituted all enjoyed the experience."

Ex-president of Largs Bridge Club Pepi Sarvary also praised Kenneth's long standing contribution.

He said: "Ken was a very popular figure in the tactical card game circuit. He will be missed by everyone who knew him."

Due to the current coronavirus crisis, a small family service in memory of Kenneth was planned, with a wider celebration of Ken's life for friends and family to be held at a later date.

If you would like to pay tribute to somone you have lost, then you can here.