Archbishop Leo has led tributes following the death yesterday of Fr John Morrison after a long period of illness. He was 85.

He said: "Fr John was one of our larger than life priests. He came to the priesthood in later life, and brought with him a great sense of people through a distinguished career in the prison service.

"He became an able and committed priest, and was much loved, giving over 25 years of his life to the Lord’s service. After suffering a long illness, may the good Lord now welcome John into paradise."

Fr Morrison, pictured above with Archbishop Leo, was ordained to the priesthood in 1990 at the age of 53. Prior to that he had pursued a very long and successful career in the prison service in both Scotland and England.  His final posting was as Deputy Governor of Wormwood Scrubs in London. He then began his training for the priesthood at the Beda College in Rome in 1986.

Speaking on the occasion of his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood in 2015 at St Margaret Mary’s Church in Granton, he said:  “I’ve really enjoyed my 25 years. Yes, you get a few negative moments but not many. It’s a very worthwhile vocation."

Fr John served as a priest in Broxburn, Jedburgh and Loanhead before retiring at St Margaret Mary’s in Granton, Edinburgh.

Tributes flooded in on social media following news of his passing. On Facebook, said: "I Remember Fr Morrison from St Margaret's, Loanhead. Always had  time to chat to parishioners and would make a point of chatting to visitors."

On Instagram, Deacon Eddie White said: "The funniest, most genuine and most intelligent man all rolled into one. Requiescat In Pace."