Tributes have been paid to a "passionate and respected" university lecturer after a body was discovered near a Scots island. Andy Samuel, 59, had not been seen since he was spotted going from his yacht into his dinghy near Kinloch, off the Isle of Rum, at midnight on Tuesday, August 30.
The dinghy was later recovered during searches on Thursday, but Andy, an Abertay Uni lecturer from Fife, was not located. A desperate search was launched but on Saturday afternoon a body was discovered on the coastline of the island.
He is yet to be formally identified, but Andy's family have been informed. Following the devastating news, colleagues and former students have paid tribute in numbers.
Professor Liz Bacon, Principal & Vice-Chancellor at Abertay University said: “Dr Samuel’s death comes as a significant shock to the University community, particularly given how well known, liked and respected he was as a lecturer, colleague and friend to so many across Abertay.
“Andy was an important and influential figure at Abertay and worked at the University for more than two decades, providing academic tuition to generations of our students. His research interests were in land reform, bothy culture and many other areas. He also took an active role in the British Sociological Society, organising their Scottish Study Group, and served as Director and Chair of the Centre for Human Ecology.
“Andy was a highly engaged member of staff who was passionate about his work and he served on University Court for two terms and as president of the Abertay branch of the University and College Union. He will be greatly missed by our staff, students and alumni and we are offering support to all in the University community at this sad time.”
Former students paid tribute to "one of the friendliest guys in the plant" who will be a "great loss" to Abertay University and "missed by many".
Kerry Lindsay said: “Such a lovely man. Had the privilege of being taught by him. Thoughts are with his family. Rip Andy x”
Fiona Abbott said: “Andy was a fab lecturer, helped me with my dissertation, great loss to Abertay Uni.”
Donna MacCulloch said: “So very sad. Such a kind, gentle, lovely man. Sleep easy Andy. You will be greatly missed by many.”
Steve Brown said: “Absolutely tragic. My heart goes out the family. One of the friendliest guys on the planet. He loved his boat and was very experienced at sea. Take care.”
Tom O Keenan added: “So sad, lovely man. Our heart goes out to family. Just so tragic. He’ll be so missed.”
There are no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The body of a man has been found on the coastline of the Isle of Rum during the afternoon of Saturday, September 3.
"He is still to be formally identified but the family of Andy Samuel, 59, who had been reported missing in the area on Thursday, September 1 has been informed. There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
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