Former head of social work and Daily Record columnist Reg McKay dies

LEGENDARY Scots crime writer Reg McKay has died after a battle with cancer. The best-selling author and former social worker passed away yesterday with wife Gerry at his side. He was 56.

Until recent weeks, McKay had been writing a column in the Daily Record about his illness.

In his final column, on October 10, he wrote: “One day, death will choose me. That day, there will be no fear.”

He also revealed how he felt close to death and told how he was upset that Gerry and close relatives had to witness his deterioration.

McKay’s career as an author began as late as 1998. He quickly became the top-selling writer of true crime in Scotland, publishing 16 books in 10 years.

Borders bookshop once told Reg he was their “most stolen” author. Reg was amused about the dubious accolade, which he saw as the ultimate seal of approval for a crime writer.

Before his second career, McKay spent 20 years as a social worker. He worked in some of the most troubled areas of Glasgow and the west of Scotland, rising to become director of social work in Argyll and Bute.

McKay claimed he became an “accidental crime writer” after he wrote to former gangster Paul Ferris suggesting he penned his story.

Ferris reputedly wrote to him suggesting the same thing. The result was the bestseller, The Ferris Conspiracy. McKay was born into a farming family in Keith, Banffshire. He spent much of his life in Glasgow and spent his final years in Paisley.

Reg made his illness public in March this year.

At the time, he said: “If I have three months, three years or three decades, I’m living life to the full.”