Robert Nairn, councillor; born April 5, 1931, died July 4, 1998
Robert Nairn, who was a native of Newburgh in Fife, spent almost 40 years in local government in the Kingdom.
He was first elected to serve on Newburgh Town Council in 1966 and served as roads convener and later as burgh treasurer. On the reorganisation of local government he became a member of the town's Community Association and, on the formation of the first community council, was appointed chairman.
He was elected to North-East Fife District Council in 1980 and served on a number of committees, including the chairmanship of its recreation committee.
Mr Nairn was a trustee of the St Katharine's Trust in Newburgh, and a member of the Newburgh Old People's Treat Committee. A former chairman of the local branch of the Royal British Legion (Scotland), he also served as its vice-president.
He was also noted for his work in saving from closure the Tayside Institute Community Centre in Newburgh and was a member of the management committee.
Among the other bodies with which he was involved were the Craigtoun Country Fair Committee in St Andrews. He served as a trustee of St Andrews harbour and chaired the North-East Fife District Licensing Board and was a member of the district's tourist board.
He also represented the district council on the Highland Territorial Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Association and the St Andrews Festival Committee.
After the latest shake-up of local government he was elected to the new Fife Council
Mr Nairn served in the Black Watch during his National Service and was a senior partner in the Cupar-based firm of architects and surveyors, Johnston, Seath, and Partners.
In his spare time he was a keen sailor.
He is survived by his wife, Sonya, one son and two daughters, and his partner, Frances.
North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Menzies Campbell paid a glowing tribute to Mr Nairn: ''The whole community will mourn the loss of a man of independent mind and robust common sense. Bob Nairn embodied all that is best in local government service and was regarded with respect and affection by political friend and foe alike.
''My wife and I feel a particular sense of loss because he was a firm friend with a keen sense of humour and a ready wit. To be in Bob Nairn's company was always lively and never dull.''
Iain Smith, leader of the Fife Council Liberal Democrat opposition, added: ''Bob's loss will be particularly felt in Newburgh which he represented with such vigour and commitment over many years.
''He certainly left his mark on local government in Fife, and his distinctive approach will be sorely missed by his colleagues on Fife Council.''
One of his last public duties was last week when he was introduced to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during a royal visit to Letham in Fife.
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