Former North Ayrshire provost Ian Clarkson has died.
The Labour stalwart was a councillor for 27 years and served Irvine West before he announced he wouldn't be standing for re-election last year due to ill health.
Labour colleague Donald Reid described his relationship with Mr Clarkson as both a personal and political one.
The Kilwinning member said: "I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Ian Clarkson, after a 25 year friendship which was both personal and political.
"In an unusual turn of events in 2002, Ian had been selected for a change of seat leaving Kilwinning Whitehirst and moving to ward 2 Irvine. I had been selected to replace him as the Labour candidate for ward 12 in the elections of May 2003. In the interim a by-election was called in October 2002 and Ian supported me fully to be elected for ward 2 Townhead and Drybridge.
"Ian took me under his wing in those early council days offering advice and support whenever needed as the Labour Group Secretary This lasted throughout till illness forced Ian's retiral from council just last year when I held the duty of Labour Group Secretary.
Prior to this Ian and I had developed the Kilwinning Carnival, Kilwinning adopting a Town Crier and Christmas Lights along with John Jamieson bringing live tv broadcast on the evening news to the town. The true highlight was the Town Crier Championships which brought thousands of visitors to Kilwinning."
"Mr Clarkson held numerous positions during his service with the council including Depute Provost, Chair of the Licensing Board, and Chair of the Marymass committee.
He also represented North Ayrshire Council on the Lowland Reserve Forces, Cadets Association, Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group for Veterans, and the West of Scotland Archaeology Service, as well as being North Ayrshire Veterans Champion.
Councillor Reid added: "Constituents of Kilwinning still refer to the period Ian Clarkson was the councillor and how he had helped or guided them.
"Ian will be a big loss to our community and his family especially. I extend my sympathies to his wife Liz and the family at this difficult time."
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