Scottish crime writer Denzil Meyrick dies aged 59

Bestselling Scottish crime writer Denzil Meyrick has died at the age of 59.

The former police officer is best known for his series of 11 books about DCI Jim Daley, set in the fictional Scottish town of Kinloch.

Meyrick's agent Bell Lomax Moreton said he died at his home near Loch Lomond on Friday. He had suffered from crippling arthritis for years.

A spokesperson said: "It was a real honour to work with you, Denzil. Our thoughts are with Fiona and the family at this time."

A statement from his publisher Birlinn described him as "one of the finest crime writers of his generation".

It added: "Denzil was known for the skill with which he pinned to the page the reality of life on the streets of Glasgow along with the issues of the small rural communities of Scotland, a talent which caught the attention of a wide reading public across the UK and well beyond.

"With his characteristic humour, unwavering determination and his dry personality Denzil was west of Scotland through and through, and he created unforgettable detective and criminal characters."

Crime writing festival Bloody Scotland said it was "sad" to hear the news of his death.

A spokesperson wrote on social media: "He graced us with his wry humour and quick wit at the festival in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024.

"Our thoughts go to his family and friends, especially his wife, Fiona."

Meyrick was born in Glasgow on 28 November 1965 and brought up in Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute.

After studying politics, he worked as a police officer in Glasgow for nearly five years in the 1980s.

Meyrick previously told BBC Scotland News that he owed much of his writing success to his early years with Strathclyde Police.

"It was a very interesting part of my life and, although I didn't know it at the time, it certainly helped me in terms of the books," he said.

"You had the full gamut of experience as a Glasgow cop and you did see the rather nastier side of human nature in all its forms."

He left the force following a back injury and went on to develop a business career, working as a distillery manager and running a pub.

In 2012, his first novel Whisky from Small Glasses was published, launching the career of DCI Daley - a cop forced to move from his Glasgow patch to a rural setting.

The detective goes on to solve a series of gruesome murders with his deputy Brian Scott in the fictitious rural community of Kinloch, inspired by Denzil's home town of Campbeltown.

A TV series based on the Daley books is currently in production.