TRIBUTES have been paid to Scottish journalist James Doleman who died after a lengthy battle with cancer.
The Byline Times reporter, who specialised in court and politics, was first diagnosed in 2013, but penned an article in September of this year setting out how the disease had spread.
Journalists and commentators paid tribute to Doleman, also known as Frank, from Glasgow, as the news of his passing spread on Monday morning.
And, his last post on Twitter/X, celebrating a Kyogo Furuhashi goal for Celtic last week, sparked scores of tributes underneath.
Doleman was well-known for his court coverage of key cases, including the Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson phone-hacking trial, Alex Salmond’s trial and a number of other high-profile cases.
He had over 42,000 followers on the social media site, and was previously named as one of the top 50 reporters on social media by the Press Gazette.
And, Doleman was previously an occasional contributor to The National.
Former Herald journalist Angela Haggerty wrote: “Really sad to hear the news that my friend @jamesdoleman has passed away.
“We worked together in London when he covered the phone-hacking trial for @TheDrum and between London and Glasgow we kept the pub industry going with endless political chats over lots of wine.
“RIP my friend.”
Still my favourite journalistic line ever. pic.twitter.com/fwWxj7SXrt
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) September 22, 2016
Ian Fraser added: “Can’t believe he’s gone. In my view @jamesdoleman was one of the nicest people on Twitter. Used to love his gentle humour, and appreciated his considerateness.”
Gerry Hassan said: “Scotland is a lesser place today after the tragic death of @jamesdoleman. He fearlessly exposed & challenged hypocrites, chancers & abusers of power wherever they came from politically. And he did all that with humility & humour.”
Former SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter wrote: “Very sad to hear @jamesdoleman has passed away. I only knew him from Twitter but he was a thoroughly decent person and very well respected and liked.
“Condolences to his family & friends who I am sure will miss him dreadfully. RIP.”
And, former diplomat Craig Murray added: “Just heard that my friend @jamesdoleman has finally lost his battle with cancer.
“One of the nicest and funniest people you could possibly know. I had promised to visit him in hospital again soon, but events overtook.”
Bylines Scotland also paid tribute, adding: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @jamesdoleman. James was a great supporter of free press, and Scotland. James will be sorely missed.”
Kyogo!
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) October 25, 2023
Former Times Scotland journalist Katherine O’Donnell added: “James Doleman has died.
He was a very fine reporter and a lovely man. I got to know him when he reported on my case vs The Times. We stayed friends.
“He'd had a full life before journalism and his perspective and writing was all the better for it. I'll miss him.”
And, former Scottish Parliament presiding officer Tricia Marwick said: “I am so very sad that @Jamesdoleman has died. We never met , but I had the privilege to know him from his writings and from this site. My thoughts are with his friends and family.”
Writing in Byline Times, Doleman said a consultant had told him he had weeks or potentially months left to live in September.
“I had a quiet cry that night,” he wrote, before going on to highlight the issues of “bed blocking” in hospitals and the impact of Tory cuts.
