Alison Atack, president of the Law Society, said: “We are very saddened to hear of the death of Iain MacMillan and extend our condolences to his family at this very sad time.

“Iain served in the RAF during the war, before joining the legal profession. He was extremely proud to be a Scottish solicitor. From his earliest days in Kilmarnock, where he became Dean of the Faculty, to his time as Sheriff at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Iain was an outstanding representative for the profession.

“During his years on Council and as President, his extensive knowledge of the law and practice benefitted the Society, our membership and his colleagues. Iain’s passion and commitment to the profession and all it stands for was unstinting throughout his exceptional career.”

She added: “He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Aberdeen for his much-lauded work to improve legal education in Scotland and was awarded a CBE from the Queen for his work on behalf of the profession. He also achieved a long-held ambition as a writer, with the publication of his autobiography, ‘I had it from My Father’ in 2011.

“Iain made a tremendous contribution to his chosen profession and will be very much missed by his colleagues and friends. Iain is survived by his wife of 65 years, three children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Mr MacMillan joined the Law Society Council in 1964 and served as president between 1976 and 1977. A service celebrating his life will be held at 11.30am on Tuesday 21 May at Kay Park Church, Kilmarnock.