A DOCTOR and father-of-two, from Rashwood, has died while on a diving expedition off the coast of Scotland.

Dr Stuart Haldane, aged 43, of Yew Tree Farm, was found dead on Monday morning.

A friend and fellow diver is still missing after the pair went to explore a reef, near Oban.

They were taking part in a training course for experienced divers.

Stuart's body surfaced at 11am just before a doctor arrived at the scene.

A massive rescue operation was launched to find fellow diver Dorothy Morris, aged 49, from Redcar, in Cleveland, but she is still missing. The search was called off yesterday.

The pair were among a party of nine diving in the Garvellachs Islands area.

An Oban coastguard spoke-sman said: "The area is known as a divers paradise and attracts many people.

"Yesterday the weather was very good for diving."

A Strathclyde police spokeswoman said: "The force's underwater unit is investigating the accident, but at this stage there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances."

In a written statement issued by his family, his wife, Sally, said he was kind man with a great sense of humour.

He had lived in the area for six years and loved spending time with his two young children.

She added: "Stuart was a loving husband and wonderful father. He will be missed terribly."

Dr Haldane worked at the Alexandra Hospital, in Redd-itch, as a consultant pathologist.

An Alex spokeswoman said: "It was with great sadness we heard of Dr Haldane's death, he was a well liked and respected consultant."