TRIBUTES have flooded in for a former Renfrew councillor who has died at the age of 74.

Alex Murrin, who served on Renfrewshire Council as a Labour representative for 18 years, passed away at his home this week after battling cancer.

Fellow councillors have today paid tribute to the dad and grandad, who was hailed as a man who never suffered fools gladly.

Councillor Eddie Devine, current leader of the council's Labour group, said: "Alex was a very honest man who didn't mess about. He always got straight to the point.

"He never suffered fools gladly which is what people liked about him. 

"He was a good convener of the licensing board. He wasn't one for big speeches and rambling, he just got straight to things.

"We are going to miss him."

Mr Murrin was first elected in 1999 to represent the former Ward 1, which was Renfrew. He retained his seat at subsequent elections until he was defeated last year.

He was most recently convener of the licensing board but had previously been convener of the appeals board and serviced on the finance and resources board, procurement sub-committee and the education policy board.

Councillor Bill Brown, currently a Labour representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: "Alex was very attentive to his duties and I remember him helping the bowling clubs when they need financial support.

"He worked on the shipyards for a long time so he was always kept busy. 

"He regularly attended Labour group meetings locally. I knew him for a good 20 years and he will be missed."

Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “On behalf of all at Renfrewshire Council, we are saddened to hear of Alex’s passing and we offer our condolences to his family and friends.

“Alex served his constituents in Renfrew for 18 years, most recently as Convener of the Licensing Board, and he will be fondly remembered for the passion he showed in standing up for his residents."