Senior Scots diplomat in Hungary dies of coronavirus

A Scots diplomat has died at the age of 37 after contracting coronavirus.

Steven Dick, the deputy head of mission at the British Embassy Hungary, died on Tuesday.

A statement from his parents, Steven and Carol Dick, said: “Steven was a much-loved son, grandson and nephew. He was kind, funny and generous.

“It was always his dream to work for the Foreign Office and he was very happy representing our country overseas.

“We are devastated by his loss & ask for privacy at this tragic time.”

‘Fellow Scot’

The UK Ambassador to Hungary, Iain Lindsay, worked with Mr Dick since October.

He said: “I and my team and our families are deeply saddened and shocked at Steven’s passing.

“We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends.

“Steven was a dear colleague and friend who had made a tremendous impression in Hungary since his arrival last October with his personal warmth and his sheer professionalism, not least his excellent Hungarian.

“Steven was a dedicated diplomat and represented his country with great skill and passion.”
Dominic Raab, foreign secretary

“As our fellow Scot Robert Burns, whose works we had recently recited together, wrote ‘Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d.’ We will miss him so much.”

Before taking up his post in Hungary, Mr Dick had roles at the British Embassies in Kabul and Riyadh, and was most recently head of corporate strategy and governance at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab added: “I am desperately saddened by the news of Steven’s death and my heart goes out to his parents Steven and Carol.

“Steven was a dedicated diplomat and represented his country with great skill and passion. He will be missed by all those who knew him and worked with him.”