HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a former Bishopton doctor who died after suffering a sudden spell of pneumonia.

Dr Neil Foster Mclellan, better known to his many patients as ‘Dr Mac,’ served the community at the village’s health centre for around 25 years.

He was admitted to Inverclyde Royal Hospital last month with a chest infection but his condition worsened and he sadly died at the age of 86.

The Paisley-born dad, grandad and great-grandad was said to be a traditional GP who wrote prescriptions using an ink pot and pen and took the time to get to know each of his patients.

His daughter, Elspeth Mclellan, said the family have taken great comfort from an outpouring of love from members of the local community since his death.

She added: “He was such a good dad who had always been great with his family. He took us out to all sorts of places.

“He was a kind, gentle soul who had a love of cars and trains and a sweet obsession with cafes.

“People have been telling me how they remember him writing prescriptions with his ink pen and how he was an absolute gentleman who always had time for you, which really is true.

“I think it was in his blood to be a doctor as his dad was one in the Army in the Second World War.

“He was a credit to the medical profession and will be remembered for his care and dedication to the people of Bishopton.

“Everyone there has a Dr Mac story.”

News of Dr Mclellan’s death has sparked dozens of poignant tributes from the Bishopton community on social media, with some saying he had been their GP since the 1970s and describing him as a “caring, fantastic doctor.”

Family and friends said their final farewell to Dr Mclellan during a funeral service at the historic Paisley Abbey, where he had been a regular worshipper for around 25 years.

Ms Mclellan added: “We want to thank everyone for their condolences.

“The tributes have helped us tremendously.

“It’s been both humbling and comforting for us to know how much he was loved by people and how many lives he touched.”