Scottish TV chef and Red Onion restaurant owner John Quigley dies aged 62

Scottish TV chef John Quigley has died aged 62.

He passed away on Sunday following an “extremely courageous battle with lung cancer”, his family said in a statement.

“On Sunday, we sadly lost our beloved husband and father, John Quigley, far too young, aged only 62, after an extremely courageous battle with lung cancer,” they said.

“John will be sorely missed by his wife, Gillian, and daughters Rosie and Amy, who wish to extend their thanks for all of the kind wishes and compassion at this time.

“His family are committed to continuing his proud legacy at his successful family-run restaurant, Red Onion, with his dedicated and loyal team there.”

The chef was the owner of the family-run Red Onion restaurant, which opened in Glasgow city centre in 2005.

Before launching his own venture alongside his wife Gillian, John started his career in London’s West End and became the youngest head chef featured in the Good Food Guide aged 22.

He then travelled the world as a private chef to the likes of Bryan Adams, Tina Turner and Guns n Roses.

John has been credited with opening and establishing a number of restaurants, including Mojo, The Arthouse Hotel and Quigley’s restaurant.

As well as his work in the kitchen, he was a contributing food editor for the likes of Esquire Magazine, The Sunday Mail and The Herald and regularly featured on STV’s Riverside Show.

Paying tribute, radio host Tam Cowan said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the devastating news early this morning that we’ve lost my old pal and chef to the stars the one and only John Quigley.

“I’d known this brilliant fella for 30 years, I’d reviewed all his restaurants, welcomed him into the Off The Ball studio several times, I also did a bit of telly with him at STV and, as recently as last Saturday, was talking live on air with Stuart Cosgrove about getting him back on OTB alongside his old pal [Guy Cowan] for a chef’s special.

“Can’t believe it. He was just a lovely, lovely man. My deepest condolences to John’s friends & family and to everyone at Red Onion.”

MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean added: “John was a brilliant chef, a generous mentor, and will have a lasting influence on Scottish hospitality.”

Chef Nick Nairn said: “John was a great guy and a top class chef. He was firmly part of the Glasgow dining scene for over 25 years. He has been taken far too soon and will be sorely missed.”