Tributes paid as former Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl dies aged 89

Tributes have been paid to former presenter Jim McColl, who has died at the age of 89.

Mr McColl was best known for hosting BBC Scotland’s Beechgrove Garden for more than four decades following its launch in 1978.

In a statement, his family said: “It’s with a heavy heart we share the passing of Jim McColl, husband, dad and grandad who passed peacefully yesterday.

“He will be hugely missed not only by us but by his friends, colleagues and a nation who he shared his passion for gardening with over four decades at The Beechgrove Garden.”

First Minister John Swinney took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay his respects to the “greatly admired” presenter.

“Very sorry to read this news. Jim McColl was renowned for his role in the Beechgrove Garden and so greatly admired. My condolences to his family,” he wrote.

Very sorry to read this news. Jim McColl was renowned for his role in the Beechgrove Garden and so greatly admired. My condolences to his family. https://t.co/8J6cdBVgF8
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) October 23, 2024

Acting director of BBC Scotland, Geraldine McCartney, paid tribute to Mr McColl saying that his gardening advice was “invaluable”.

“His expert gardening advice and wisdom on The Beechgrove Garden was invaluable to green-fingered viewers over the decades and he will be greatly missed by all,” she said.

“Loved by viewers across the nation, he’ll be especially missed in the North East, where he was a much-cherished part of the BBC Scotland and Tern TV teams for many years. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family, friends and colleagues.”

BBC Scotland will air Jim McColl At 80 at 8pm on November 4, celebrating the life and times of the gardening journalist who was born in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra said it was “heartbroken” by the news of his passing.

“He was an incredible compere and dear friend of the orchestra,” it wrote.

“His wit, charm, and presence will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

The National Trust for Scotland also paid tribute, saying: “As one of Scotland’s leading horticulturalists, he was a huge supporter of our gardens, especially in the North East. Our condolences to his family and friends.”