Scottish author A J Cronin died in Switzerland - On this day in history

A J Cronin, creator of the Dr Finlay character which inspired Dr Finlay's Casebook, died on 6 January, 1981. He began his career as a writer in 1930 after being given six months bedrest for medical reasons. During the latter part of his life, Cronin lived in mainland Europe but missed Scotland, writing in 1972 'Although I have travelled the world over, I must say in all sincerity that my heart belongs to Dumbarton.'

Among his best known works are:

• The Stars Look Down
• The Citadel
• The Green Years
• The Keys of the Kingdom
• Hatter's Castle