Jackie Baillie has paid tribute to community stalwart Billy Petrie after he passed away this week, aged 94.

Billy was a popular figure in both Helensburgh & Lomond and West Dunbartonshire and a long-time campaigner for the Vale of Leven Hospital.

He served as a councillor in the Helensburgh & Lomond area for more than four decades, serving in Dumbarton District Council, Strathclyde Regional Council and then in Argyll & Bute Council. He was elected as the first Provost of Argyll and Bute, being awarded an OBE for services to the area.

Having retired a decade ago, he was also involved in many community groups and organised the New Year’s swim at Rhu Marina.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, said: “Billy was such a popular person throughout the area. He worked across the political divide and made many friends in our local community and within the council.

“His loss is a huge blow for the region and my deepest condolences are with his family and many friends who will miss him greatly.

“He leaves a wonderful legacy due to his determination to stand up for the people he served.”