Scottish artist Stuart Herd found dead in caravan at French campsite on Rugby World Cup holiday

A Scottish artist with galleries across the country has died at a French campsite while following the Rugby World Cup.

Stuart Herd’s cause of death has not been confirmed, but firefighters were called to the scene at the Navarre Campsite, in the commune of Langres, on Monday.

STV News understands carbon monoxide poisoning is among the potential causes of death being considered by French police.

Campsite manager Xavier Maillot told STV News: “[Mr Herd] was following the Rugby World Cup, it’s a good location to do it from. It was surprising because he was fine on Sunday evening.

“He was sat outside his caravan speaking with his Swiss neighbours. In the morning his wife called the campsite because she hadn’t heard from him.”

Mr Herd’s galleries showcase original paintings and prints by the him alongside local artists’ work, memorabilia and ceramics.

The 52-year-old painter and photographer owns The Harbour Gallery in Tarbert, Inveraray and Ullapool.

A message on The Harbour Gallery website read: “Due to tragic and unforeseen circumstances the Harbour Gallery website and The Harbour Galleries Tarbert, Ullapool and Inveraray will be stopping orders from this point onwards and until further notice.

“Any orders that have already been placed by customers either online or in our galleries will be contacted in due course.

“We will be able to give more information in time.”

In a Facebook post, the artist’s friend Albert White wrote: “With deep sadness, one of our forum members and large part of the rugby family Stuart Herd passed away while on tour for the RWC in France.

“As an artist his inspirational paintings of Scotland scenery visually amazing. His paintings of rugby action captured moments in time we all will remember forever in his art.

“He was an advocate of numerous charities too many to list.

“It’s such a sad shock, I spoke with him as he travelled around France RWC to the games. A great representative of the rugby family and true Scot.

I had the pleasure to meet Stuart Herd many times and have one of his original paintings of this year’s Calcutta cup win by Scotland at Twickenham.

“I know you will all add to our heartfelt condolences to his wife and children.

“A great man lost too soon.”