To many, Roddy Balfour was a "true Highland gentleman" while others regarded him as a colourful character.

The death of the former Highland councillor has prompted warm tributes and rekindled fond memories of the Independent representative for Culloden and Ardersier.

During his 23 years of service to Highland Council and his communities, he was renowned for being hard-working and speaking out for those he served.

There were also occasions when he felt actions spoke louder than words – such as the time he took up his shovel at the age of 70 to clear snow from the pavements near pensioners’ homes at Croy.

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Following tributes by former colleagues at Highland Council – including convener Bill Lobban who recalled him as a fierce and determined debater – others have added comments on social media.

They included Jim McCreath, former chairman of Highland Council's Staff Armed Forces Network, who recalled Mr Balfour's role as the council’s Armed Forces and Veterans' Champion.

"I was honoured to accompany Roddy to Edinburgh to receive the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, an award which Roddy had strived for and achieved with help from council colleagues," he said.

"A true gentleman who will be fondly remembered and sadly missed."

Also reflecting on the sad news was Karen Young who said: "An absolute gentleman and he would never pass you without speaking."

Faye Lingard commented: "Roddy was one of a kind, a truly lovely person and a wonderful councillor."

Former Depute Inverness provost and Inverness Ness-side councillor Jean Slater posted: "True gentleman and colleague, thoughts with his family at this sad time."

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