Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood dies aged 84

Sir Ian Wood, a towering figure in the UK's oil and gas sector and a dedicated philanthropist, has passed away at 84. His family announced his peaceful death at home, remembering his "kindness, generosity, determination and unwavering commitment to his family."

Wood's legacy extends far beyond his personal wealth, estimated at £1.8 billion. He is credited with transforming his family's humble fishing boat repair yard into the Wood Group, a global engineering powerhouse. The company, once valued at over £5 billion, played a significant role in the North Sea and international energy industries before its sale last year.

After stepping down as chief executive in 2006 and as chairman in 2012, Sir Ian, who was knighted in 1994 and made a member of the Order of the Thistle, dedicated himself to philanthropy. He established The Wood Foundation, an organization committed to addressing social and economic inequality, with a particular focus on Scotland and sub-Saharan Africa.

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kindness, generosity, determination and unwavering commitment to his family.