Former Walker's Shortbread director dies aged 80

The former director of Walker's Shortbread has died at the age of 80.

Sir Jim Walker joined the family business in 1962 and received a Knighthood in 2022 for services to the food industry.

His grandfather Joseph Walker founded the bakery in the Speyside village of Aberlour in 1898.

Sir Jim helped build Walker's into an award-winning exporter of Scottish biscuits.

Born in Elgin and raised in Aberlour, he was educated at Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen.

The father-of-four ran Walker's alongside his brother, Joe, and sister, Marjorie.

He recently stepped aside to an advisory role, allowing the family's fourth generation, including three of his children, to take on the management of the firm.

Sir Jim died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday.

A family statement said: "He will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind man who was an inspiration to many who knew him.

"We will honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values and legacy he built over a lifetime of dedication."