Paddy Higson dead: Taggart star dies aged 83 as family pay tribute to 'iconic trailblazer'

Paddy Higson OBE, the acclaimed Scottish film icon, has died at the age of 83 after a cancer diagnosis, her family has confirmed. The late producer, known to many as 'the mother of Scottish film', was "surrounded by love" in her last moments.

Her children Michael, Chris and Frances shared a moving tribute on : "Yesterday evening our mum's battle with cancer reached its inevitable conclusion and she passed gently away surrounded by her family and so much love.

"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."

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Their message concluded with: "We are heartbroken but find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering." They promised to announce funeral arrangements later.

The BAFTA award-winning star was best known for her work with director Bill Forsyth on beloved Scottish flicks like Gregory's Girl, along with producing key episodes of Taggart, Monarch of the Glen, and Cardiac Arrest. She initially began her career at the as a production secretary in the 1970s.

After stepping back from movies and TV, Paddy took the reins at the Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC), contributing to the popular children's show Katie Morag and opening doors for young talent in television and film production.

The trailblazer in the Scottish screen industry was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2023 King's New Years Honours List.

This recognition comes as a testament to her significant contribution to film and television, as well as her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the sector.

Notable actor David Hayman honoured Higson with glowing praise, dubbing her "the mother of the Scottish film industry." BAFTA joined in paying homage, celebrating her role as a "pioneer of the Scottish screen industry."

Conveying their condolences, BAFTA Scotland reflected: "We were saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Higson OBE. Higson was a trailblazer in the Scottish screen industry, having worked on Gregory's Girl, Restless Natives, and Taggart. She received the BAFTA Scotland Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Scottish Industry in 2018."

Paying tribute on social media, one (X) user penned: "Where would Scottish film & TV be without Paddy Higson? She poured energy and money into Bill Forsyth (Gregory's Girl, Comfort and Joy), Peter Mullan's Magdalen Sisters, Jed Mercurio's Cardiac Arrest & David Hayman's Silent Scream. Fierce, respected & thirled to the work RIP."

Another added: "So sorry to hear that Paddy Higson, ‘mother of the Scottish film industry’, has died. What a pioneer was in the of Scottish film & television. I met her through her love of art - she painted & was President of Glasgow’s Southern Art Club. A lovely woman & born encourager."

A third wrote: "The Scottish film industry has lost a true pioneer with the passing of Paddy Higson at 83, whose remarkable journey from BBC production secretary to celebrated film producer inspired countless creatives."

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