‘Mother of Scottish film’ Paddy Higson dies aged 83

Veteran film producer Paddy Higson has died at the age of 83 following a battle with cancer.

She was known for her work with the director Bill Forsyth, with whom she made films including the 1981 cult classic Gregory’s Girl.

In a post on social media, her family said she had been surrounded “by so much love” before her death.

Actor David Hayman described her as “the mother of the Scottish film industry”.

Higson began her career with the BBC in the 1970s as a production secretary.

She later moved on to work with Forsyth and Peter Mullan, making films including The Magdalene Sister and Orphans.

On the smaller screen, she also produced episodes of Taggart, Monarch of the Glen and Cardiac Arrest.

Despite retiring, she continued to work on the children’s television show Katie Morag and headed up the filmmaking charity GMAC.

She also created several schemes helping other young people into the industry.

In 2018, Hayman presented her with a Scottish Bafta for for her outstanding contribution to the Scottish film industry.

Posting on social media, her children said her funeral would be arranged in due course.

They wrote: “Not only have the three of us lost our amazing and extraordinary mother, we as a wider community have lost a kind and generous, supportive and selfless pioneer.

“We are heartbroken but find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.”