OUR heartbroken team is today paying tribute to friend and colleague Jamie Shuttleworth, who has died at the age of 29.

Jamie joined the Glasgow Times a little over a year ago, coming in to the newsroom just before the pandemic took hold.

While others might have been daunted at the thought of taking on a new role with us in a middle of a national crisis, Jamie didn’t even blink.

Rapidly he became the core of the newsroom, with tiny acts of kindness and consideration for others a routine part of his day.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie started off working shifts on the digital desk for our sister title The Herald but had made an impression on the Glasgow Times editor.

He excelled at a meeting with senior management – turning up in full suit and tie with a 50 slide presentation – and was rewarded with a staff contract for his efforts.

He also excelled in his new role as Head of Social Media, which he started in September last year and saw him encourage the team to use Facebook Live as a means of connecting with our audiences.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

Always one to practice what he preached, Jamie lead the charge in making live videos out and about across the city.

And he could make anything interesting and engaging.

He loved reading comments as they came in on his videos and had a natural rapport with viewers.

One evening he chose to commentate on a video game version of an Old Firm match, leaving everyone in hysterics.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

Football was one of his passions as a lifelong Kilmarnock FC fan.

Jamie also continued to write for the Glasgow Times, even while in his full time job on social media.

He wrote across a wide variety of topics but one thing he was passionate about was working to remove the stigma around mental health.

Jamie was very open about his own struggles and encouraged other people to be open about theirs.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

On Time To Talk Day in February this year Jamie filmed a raw and honest video, speaking about his mental health. He often used social media to talk about the issue.

And earlier this month for Mental Health Awareness Week he wrote a first person piece about living with mental health problems.

Playing football and finding solace in friendships with the other men on his team, Glasgow Caledonian United, was something he said helped him to cope and he encouraged others to similarly talk to friends.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

The team has asked that other local football teams hold minute’s silence before Saturday and Sunday’s matches and publish match results with “JS” and a blue heart.

Jamie’s death has left a hole in the newsroom here but has also deeply affected the industry across Glasgow.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

He had a varied career before joining the Herald & Times Group with roles at STV, Glasgow Live and the Daily Record.

Hannah Brown, a reporter with The Scotsman, said that she had told Jamie she presented a local radio show and the next week he sent her a video of him dancing to it.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

Such was Jamie’s care and attention to other people that many in the industry and out have similar stories.

Those who went to university with Jamie have been in touch to say how much he helped them and encouraged them and was a vibrant force with his enthusiasm for learning new things.

He also worked closely with our Regional Audience Content Editors, providing a valuable support to others across the UK.

Jamie was friends with everyone in the office, making connections even with those who were working remotely during the coronavirus crisis.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie died on Monday of this week, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues, his much loved partner Ruth Suter and his adored wee dog Arlo.

If you need support, please call: SAMH on 0141 530 1000; Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87; or Samaritans on 116 123.

Jamie Shuttleworth

Jamie Shuttleworth