The family of a former Irvine teacher and lawyer have paid tribute to her after she passed away suddenly.

Louise Brown died peacefully surrounded by her family at Ayrshire Hospice on April 21 following a short battle with cancer.

Born in July 1941, the 77-year-year much-loved mother and grandmother will be fondly remembered in Irvine following her years as a teacher at Springside and John Galt.

Louise married fellow lawyer and former Irvine SNP councillor Matthew Brown in June 1964 and the couple had two sons, Simon and Jonathan.

Louise later decided on a career change and went on to study law as a mature student, qualifying in 1977 when she began her law career at R&JA McCallum in Ayr.

In 1984, alongside her husband, she founded Matthew Brown Solicitors, and worked there until her retirement in 2005.

Speaking on behalf of the family, son Simon Brown, who now runs the family law business, told the Times: “She was a great inspiration and support to me throughout my life, and we will sorely miss her.”

First Minister and Irvine-born politician Nicola Sturgeon also paid tribute to Louise.

She said: “So sorry to hear this. Louise Brown was an amazing woman and one of my earliest inspirations in the SNP. She will be sadly missed. My love and thoughts are with Matt and all the family.”

Louise leaves behind husband Matthew, her two sons and four grandchildren, Evie, Thalia, Jacob and Oliver.

Louise’s funeral service will be held at Holmsford Bridge Crematorium on Tuesday, May 7 at 1.30pm.

No flowers but donations to Cancer Research UK.