Tributes are being paid this afternoon to popular former councillor Jim Walker, who passed away in hospital last night.
Jim served as a councillor for over 30 years, was involved in many community groups and was a past chieftain of Bathgate Highland Games, president and founding member of the Newland Concert Brass Band and was president of Bathgate Thistle.
Jim was first elected in 1974 to Bathgate Central ward of West Lothian District Council, standing for the Ratepayers Association and enjoyed a long career in local politics until 2017.
He was also elected to the Bathgate Procession committee in 1962 when he was just 18 and was awarded an MBE in 2014.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, led the tributes to Jim.
He said: “I was very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and did a huge amount for Bathgate both in his role as a councillor and through his work in other local groups, most notably the Bathgate Procession where he served as Secretary.
" His voluntary work on the Procession Committee alone made him one of the most well-known faces in Bathgate.
“He was well respected and incredibly popular.
“My sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Provost Tom Kerr added: “ I knew Jim well and it was a privilege to have known him and worked with him.
“He is perhaps best known for his voluntary work with the Bathgate Procession committee for over 50 years, which is an extraordinary achievement and it tells you what mattered most to Jim.
"Committed to helping his town, local people and doing it with a smile on his face. He was a hardworking man, selfless with his time and he worked really hard for Bathgate and West Lothian.
"He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.”
Jim was with WLDC from start to end and was re-elected continuously for the District Council, once more for the Ratepayers Association and then as independent.
He stood as a candidate for Newlands in 1995 and 1999 - as an independent then the SNP respectively - but was not elected.
He was later elected for Newlands in 2003 and served until 2017.
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/
