Tributes are continuing to flood in for Scots Still Game actor Jimmy Martin, who passed away at the age of 93.
Yesterday it was announced that the star, who played Auld Eric in the BBC sitcom, had died after show producer Michael Hines took to social media to make the emotional post.
He penned: “Just to let all the #StillGame fans out there that Jimmy Martin ‘Eric’ passed away today. He was a wonderful actor and I was honoured to call him pal.”
Still Game stars including Jane McGarry and Greg Hemphill had posted sweet tributes to him online and now Gavin Mitchell, who played Boaby the Barman, made an emotional post talking about his pal.
Gavin said that Jimmy was such a big supporter of his and took him under his wing when they first met more than 30 years ago.
Gavin penned: “I have a sad and heavy heart tonight. I kept very few things from the set of ‘Still Game’ , but this photograph I treasure. Jimmy Martin’s final day on the show. It hung behind the bar in ‘The Clansman’ until the final scene and now in my home. He was always with us ….
“I always called Jimmy the ‘Timelord’, as he’d lived so many lives; sailor, firefighter, life model, actor, wild days in the 60s, his ceaseless charity work , and general raconteur.”
He added: “I first met him over 30yrs ago on a whisky ad in Nobles Bar in Leith. He took me under his wing regaled with tales, jokes, anecdotes and magic tricks ….. and it never EVER stopped! He always came to see me in productions, surprised and supported me and he always bought his own ticket!!!
“He was an extraordinary force of nature who showed us all up on set with his positive vitality. He was a respectful, polite , professional and a damned snazzy, snapper debonair dresser off screen who put us all to shame……
He concluded: “Unlike the rest of us Jimmy never once moaned or complained but worked long days and was always completely up for anything . Every scene, screening , wrap party ; he was one of the gang , and you just forgot , and never questioned his age…..”
And fans flocked to the comments to share lovely stories about Jimmy.
One penned: “Every Still Game character/actor is a national treasure, we took you guys to our hearts from day one. It’s incredible, the classic piece of comedy history you all created. Jimmy will forever be missed.”
Another said: “I’ve just heard of Jimmy’s passing sending you and the rest of the cast of Still Game, his family and friend’s hugs and our deepest heartfelt condolences and love to you all.”
While one said: “Jimmy was in the first show I produced professionally – a triple bill of short plays by new writers at the Tron – for Annexe Theatre Co. He was a lovely man. A sad loss.”
Jimmy’s passing comes just months after the 93-year-old was awarded a top royal honour.
The TV star served time in the Royal Navy and was recognised for his dedication to the country.
Jimmy enjoyed an acting career spanning 40 years, appearing in the likes of Taggart and Take the High Road.