TRIBUTES have been paid to a political stalwart who has died following a short illness.

Lochwinnoch man Alistair Nimmo, 87, a former Depute Provost of the old Renfrew District Council, will be laid to rest on Friday.

He served as a councillor for 16 years and was Depute Provost from 1992 to 1996.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said: “I was in Lochwinnoch at a site visit dealing with a local parking issue when I was told that Alistair had passed away.

“I felt very sad, both as a sitting councillor for Lochwinnoch and Howwood and, previously, as a SNP parliamentary candidate for the Renfrewshire South area in 2005, 2010 and 2011, as Alistair was a great mentor and support to me.”

As well as being a figurehead in local politics, Mr Nimmo served in the Cameron Highlanders during his national service before spending time working for a number of companies across the UK.

But, in 1973, he returned to Scotland and into social work, dealing with homelessness and addiction, before eventually moving into politics.

He is survived by his wife Anna, whom he met during a by-election campaign in 1980.

Bruce McFee, who was SNP group leader from 1992 until 2003, said: “He added his distinctive style to the role and was well received wherever he went. He was a great ambassador for Renfrew District.

“Alistair and I were first elected on the same night in 1988 and as recently as last year, when I was canvassing in Howwood for Andy Doig, Alistair’s name was still coming through on many doorsteps.

“He was, according to many voters of different political persuasions, the best councillor they’d ever had.

“Alistair will be missed by many, but none more so than by his good lady, Anna, who was a source of strength and wise counsel during his years of elected politics.”

The funeral takes places at noon on Friday at Calder Church, Lochwinnoch, before moving on to Lochwinnoch Cemetery at 1pm.