Tributes paid to 'passionate' Abertay University lecturer Andy Samuel after body found off Isle of Rum

Tributes have been paid to a “liked and respected” university lecturer after a body was found on the coast of a Scottish island.

Formal identification of Dr Andy Samuel has yet to take place but police said his family had been informed.

Professor Liz Bacon, principal and 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.”

The 59-year-old academic had not been seen since midnight on Tuesday when he was spotted going from his yacht into his dinghy near Kinloch off the Isle of Rum.

The dinghy was later recovered during searches on Thursday but the sociologist, from Fife, was not located.

On Saturday afternoon, the body of a man was found on the island’s coastline.

Police Scotland said there were no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Dr Samuel’s disappearance sparked a major search operation with the coastguard helicopter, several lifeboat crews mobilised and officers appealing to the public for help.