The funeral of Western Isles councillor Bill Houston who died suddenly is taking place on Tuesday on Lewis.
The council flag at Western Isles Councillor has been flying at half mast as a mark of respect for Mr Houston, 60, who was found dead at his Leurbost home on Saturday morning.
A wake service is taking place in Crossbost Free Church at 9pm tonight (Mon).
The funeral service is at 11.30am in Crossbost Free Church tomorrow with the lift at 12 noon going to the neighbouring cemetery.
Mr Houston is survived by two sons Cameron and Niall and daughter Christie. His wife Eleanor died in recent years.
SNP Council Group Leader, Donald Manford said: “This is a very sad blow for our Group and we are all shocked and saddened to lose Bill.
“Bill was an outstanding talent and his loss will be felt throughout the Council and the wider community. At this time, our thoughts are with his family and close friends.
Angus MacNeil MP said: “Bill was a highly respected colleague and the news of his sudden death has saddened us greatly.
“Bill was a dedicated supporter of Scottish Independence, a talented politician and his death is a great loss to our party and our islands.
“First and foremost, Bill was a loving father, a gentleman and friend to many. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
MSP Alasdair Allan said: "Bill was a good friend. I know that as well as being an outstanding father, he made an enormous contribution to the life of the Western Isles, first as an officer of the council and, since this May, as an elected councillor.
"His loss will I know be a terrible blow to his family, and comes as a great shock to all who knew him through his contribution to the work of the SNP, the Council and the community as a whole. "
Council Convener Norman A Macdonald said: “Bill was a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and especially his beloved children, Cameron, Christy and Niall.”
Mr Houston ecently swapped roles in Western Isles Council when he was elected as a SNP local councillor for the Uig and North Lochs ward.
Mr Houston had spent his working life as a local government official until he took early retirement as head of Leisure and Learning services at Western Isles Council.
Mr Houston had been seriously ill early this year and suffered a brain haemorrhage at the start of the local council election campaign.
His death is a shock to family and colleagues as he appeared be recovering from his illness.
Mr Houston was born in January 1952 and stood as a SNP parliamentary candidate in Stirling 1983 and in Falkirk in 1992.He took a step back from politics following the birth of his first son in 1992.
He originally came to the islands in 1998 to take up the post of Deputy Director of Education and Leisure Services.
He topped in his ward in May and immediately got stuck into the rough and tumble of council business by successfully leading the charge to halt the closure of Lionel Secondary School.
Tributes to councillor Bill Houston 16/9/12