The former chairman of Scottish house builder Mactaggart and Mickel has drowned while on holiday in the Canary Islands.

Derek Mickel died while on a winter break in Fuerteventura on Saturday.

Mr Mickel from Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, got into difficulties in the sea while swimming in the resort of Pajara on the island.

He was pulled from the sea onto the beach however paramedics could not save him.

The 79-year-old was still a director at the family building firm.

A spokesman for the Mickel family and Mactaggart & Mickel said: “It is with great sadness that the death of Mr Derek Mickel aged 79 has been confirmed. He died suddenly while on holiday in Fuerteventura on Saturday November 15.

“Mr Mickel was a prominent Scottish businessman, having joined the housebuilder as a third-generation family member in 1961, becoming a director in 1966 and serving as chairman of Mactaggart & Mickel for eight years up to 2012. He continued to be a director of the business.

“His son Andrew, a fourth-generation family member, joined the company in 2000 and is homes chairman and group director.

“There will most likely be a post-mortem given the sudden nature of his death, therefore no further details are available at this time.

“The family would request for a period of privacy and respect to be observed at this time.”