A GLASGOW fire station has paid tributes to a firefighter who has died suddenly, months before he was due to retire.

Polmadie Fire Station, who are based in Glasgow’s Southside, said Lauchlan McLellan passed away in his sleep on Thursday, February 16.

The popular firefighter, who was known as Locky, had served for 30 years and was due to retire from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in seven months time.

The Celtic fan worked at stations across the city, in the training centre and it is understood he was a watch commander having started his career in 1987.

In a statement, Polmadie Fire Station said: “Our dear dear friend and colleague Lauchlan McLellan, affectionately known as Locky, suddenly and tragically passed away in his sleep.

“Locky worked at Polmadie a number of years ago and kept in touch with the personnel at the station, continuing to attend functions and nights out.

“He was popular, funny, and a genuinely kind and good man, who was universally liked by everyone who knew him.

“The fact that he was only seven months away from retiring, after 30 years service, is all the more tragic.

"He will be greatly missed by us at Polmadie and by all who knew him in the fire service.

“Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. RIP Locky.”

He is survived by his two children Kirsty Ann and Ross, and was well-known among Celtic supporters.

He sat in the main stand at Parkhead with his son for most home games, and fans flooded their condolences on Celtic pages on social media.

His heartbroken daughter Kirsty Ann announced that her father’s funeral mass will take place at St Columbkilles Church, Main Street, Rutherglen at 10am on Thursday.

She said he would receive a full fire service and navy order during the funeral.

The family will then head to Linn Crematorium in Castlemilk and The King’s Park Hotel afterwards.

Kirsty Ann said: “Myself, my mum, wee brother Ross and all the family would be grateful if anyone who knew my dad could attend. Everyone is welcome.”

She said: “The support, prayers, kind words and gestures shown by you all is commendable and very much appreciated. So thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

“A massive thank you to the fire service for showing their admiration for my dad, lowering all the fire stations in Scotland’s flags at half mast to show their respect.

“I’ll carry you forever in my heart and look after our family for you. I don’t know what we’re going to do without you.

“My world, my hero. A daddy’s girl always.”

Firefighters on social media also changed their profile pictures to an image of the Thin Red Line of Courage.

The Thin Red Line of Courage is a symbol to illustrate honourable respect to fallen firefighter heroes.