ONE of Scotland’s leading businessmen has died aged 66.

Mohammad Ramzan, chairman of United Wholesale Grocers Limited, passed away at his residence in Pakistan on Wednesday morning.

Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), the trade association for the Scottish convenience store sector, called Ramzan a “pillar” of the industry.

Ramzan founded United Wholesale Grocers Limited, one of the UK’s leading cash and carry operators and one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK.

He is survived by his wife, 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

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Dr Pete Cheema OBE, chief execute at SGF, said Ramzan had helped to shape the convenience store industry in Scotland into what it is today.

He said: “I have known Mr. Ramzan since I first moved to Scotland from Kent, and it is with great sadness and regret that we have been informed of his passing.

“He was a pillar of our industry and a great support to everyone who knew him.

“Very few had his depth of experience of our trade, opening his first grocery store in 1975 and building that into one of the leading wholesalers in the UK.

“He helped shape the wholesale and convenience sectors in Scotland into what it is today. “We are all deeply saddened by the loss, and our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his wife, children and family.”