“Michael John Burns was born in the Shieling, Ferry Road, Dingwall where he lived for more than 80 years before moving to Maryburgh.

“He was educated at Dingwall Primary School, Dingwall Academy, Fettes College Edinburgh, and the universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, gaining the degree of MA LLB (Hons).

“It was at Edinburgh that he met Janet, to whom he was very happily married for 63 years.

“Mr Burns qualified as a solicitor and, after national service with the Seaforth Highlanders, joined the family firm TSH Burns & Son, Park Street, Dingwall, along with his father, Thomas and his brother, Saunders.

“He very much enjoyed his career and said that he never knew what was coming through the door, be it a case of murder or divorce.

“For many years, Michael provided the Law Society of Scotland with advice on crofting law and, in later years, served as an honorary sheriff for the Sheriffdom of Grampian and Highlands and Islands, a role which he felt privileged to hold.

“He had three daughters, Alison, Davina and Sarah-Jane, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.”

Read the full obituary here.