Responding to the news that the Principal of Robert Gordon University, Professor Mike Pittilo MBE had passed away suddenly, Nicol Stephen, MSP for Aberdeen South has expressed shock at his untimely death.

Commenting, Mr Stephen said:

“The news of Michael Pittilo’s death has come as a great shock to all who knew him.

“He did an outstanding job as university principal leading the organisation through a period of significant expansion at the Garthdee campus.

“When his illness returned he fought it very bravely and selflessly and he continued working right up until his last week.

“He will be a big loss to the University and the higher education sector in Scotland.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”