The former chairman of one of Scotland’s best known housebuilders has died tragically while on a winter break in the Canary Islands.

Derek Mickel, who chaired the family firm Mactaggart & Mickel for eight years until 2012, was swimming in the sea at Fuerteventura when he got into difficulties. Paramedics on the scene were unable to save him.

Mr Mickel, 79, from Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, joined the Glasgow company as a third-generation family member in 1961 and became a director in 1966. He remained a director until his death.

A family spokesman said “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.”