Tributes have been paid to a 'loveable' Scots man who was found dead after not turning up for work on Monday. Cops were alerted and found the body of Jimmy Meikle, 54, at the property in Buckstone, Edinburgh, on Tuesday December 13.
Police Scotland say the death is not thought to be suspicious, reports Edinburgh Live. His boss Richard O'Donnell was at the scene on Tuesday morning when cops made the discovery.
Richard owns his own trading company and took Jimmy on as an employee 16 years ago. Jimmy was rarely off or late for work, meaning his failure to show up on Monday immediately caused concern.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Richard said: "I'm unbelievably saddened that Jimmy has passed away suddenly. He didn’t attend work which is unlike him - he’s never been late or off work in over 16 years working for me.
"Police were called and sadly when we attended they put his door in and it was confirmed that he had sadly passed away. I’ve known Jimmy since I was 14. He doesn’t have much family so he’s been my main and protected employee."
Richard says Jimmy was super-fit and his sudden death was a real shock.
He continued: "He’s never been late, he’s never been off sick and he’s multi-skilled so unbelievably great at his job.
"He was loved by the entire company. Jimmy was a loveable and polite little guy. Everyone loved him. He was shy and well-spoken. There was nothing he couldn’t do at his work and he would always help. He was also the strongest guy you could meet.
"Jimmy was only 54. Fit as a fiddle. He should’ve had 40 years left on this planet. It’s a huge shock. He truly was a gentleman and always had a kind word for all."
Tributes have poured in for the popular Edinburgh man.
One said: "No way! Wee Jimmy was an awesome wee dude, always put a smile on your face no matter the job."
Another said: "Absolutely devastated. Jimmy and I met only briefly but I could immediately grasp his warmth and his devotion to the tasks. I also felt he was a trusted person and trustworthy."
A third added: "That's so sad to hear, remember Jimmy from the Angle Club days and more recently cutting about Buckstone, always got a tip of the flat cap and a wee smile. Top bloke."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.10pm on Monday, 12 December, 2022, a man was found dead within a property in the Buckstone area of Edinburgh. The death is not thought to be suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
Walker ‘texted family goodbye’ after falling into river at Scots beauty spot
Scots oil worker accused of battering colleague to death named as staff hit out over conditions
Amber weather warning as heavy snow falls overnight across Scotland
