Councillor Al Reay

Argyll and Bute councillor Al Reay has died suddenly but peacefully at his home in Helensburgh.

Council leader Dick Walsh expressed his shock and sadness at the death of a ‘revered colleague’,and paid tribute to the role Councillor Reay has played in the council since his election in 2003.

“Al Reay was a councillor of high integrity –a hard working member dedicated to doing his very best on behalf of all his constituents,” Councillor Walsh said.

“He was a giant among his colleagues,commanding great respect for his very professional approach to council business,his leadership skills and abilities. His common sense and down to earth approach and his unstinting support for others was appreciated by many,and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Argyll and Bute Council.

“His loss will of course be particularly keenly felt in the Helensburgh area,which he was so proud to serve and to which he devoted so much of his time and energy.

“Our thoughts,sympathies and prayers are with his family at this time of sadness.”

Fellow Helensburgh and Lomond councillor Ellen Morton,who is also the depute leader of the council and the leader of the Liberal Democrat group,said Councillor Reay’s death would be an ‘enormous loss’ to the area.

“Al Reay was one of the most honest people I have ever met,” she added.

Councillor Reay is survived by his wife Liz,three sons,one daughter and three grandsons.