GWYNETH Guthrie, who starred as Mrs Mack in long-running soap Take the High Road, has died aged 84, her family have said.

Guthrie’s family released a statement via STV, saying the actress had died peacefully at home earlier this week.

Ayrshire-born Guthrie starred as busybody Mrs Mack in Take the High Road for 20 years. She also had roles in a number of other TV shows over the decades, including Taggart and Doctor Finlay.

Take the High Road has recently seen a revival after being made available on STV’s streaming service to mark its 40th anniversary.

The statement from Guthrie’s family said: “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our amazing mum, Gwyneth Guthrie. She passed peacefully on Tuesday the 9th of November, at home and surrounded by her loving family. She will be playing to her next audience in Heaven.”

STV’s managing director of broadcast, Bobby Hain, said the team was “saddened” to hear of Guthrie’s passing.

"For 20 years, Gwyneth played the iconic character of Mrs Mack in Take the High Road, bringing her own wonderful comic timing and dramatic flair which made her beloved across the UK. Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family at this sad time.”