Academic and Scout leader; Born April 21, 1933; Died May 28, 2007. Professor Roy Sinclair was born into a large family in Thornliebank, Glasgow, when times were hard. After attending Carnwadric Primary School, he gained a scholarship to Allan Glen's School where his ability soon showed through.

But, as with many at that time, the first priority was to find a job, and in 1950 Roy joined the research laboratory of J & P Coats in Paisley as a research assistant, cycling daily there and back from Thornliebank.

He had a keen scientific mind and, while working at Coats during the next six years, embarked on part-time study at the then Paisley Technical College for the London University external BSc degree as well as gaining the Associateship of the Society of Dyers and Colourists.

And it was here, in the Coats laboratory, that he met Ellen Murray, whom he married in 1958 and with whom he was to share the next 49 years.

Roy's qualities were early recognised when in 1956 he was invited to join the staff of the chemistry department at Paisley Technical College before he had completed his BSc.

With a foot on the academic ladder, Roy set out to climb it, completing first his BSc and later being awarded MSc and PhD degrees from London and Strathclyde universities respectively as the college's identity changed over the years to central institution and then to university.

During his 40 years as a member of staff, Roy contributed hugely to academic life in Paisley by his teaching, research - he was the author or co-author of more than 70 papers on photochemistry and colour science - and administrative skills, these contributions being recognised by the award of a personal chair in chemistry in 1990.

Up to and after his retirement in 1996 he chaired the committee organising the university's centenary celebrations, and in recognition of this and his other services, he was awarded a Fellowship of the university two years later.

The interests of his young students were always close to Roy's heart and he never allowed these interests to be compromised, but his concern for the well-being of the young was not restricted to his academic life.

From the time he joined the Cubs at the age of nine, Roy Sinclair gave to the Scouting movement a selfless and distinguished service for the rest of his life.

His leadership saw him progress from group Scout leader at St George's East Church in Paisley to becoming the first District Commissioner for the town of Paisley, to Assistant Commissioner for Renfrew and Inverclyde and then finally in 1991 to Assistant Chief Commissioner for Scotland Southwest.

Roy was a modest man and never one to seek recognition for what he took as a duty, but it came anyway and for his services to Scouting over the years he received a Medal of Merit, a Silver Acorn and in 1991 a Silver Wolf, the highest accolade in the Scouting movement and the gift of the Chief Scout himself.

Deteriorating health during the last year did not prevent him, now as honorary president of Paisley Scouts, making a significant contribution to the preparation of events to mark the centenary of the Scout movement.

Time was somehow found for other public duties, too, and Roy served as president of both the Bohemian Club and the Philosophical Institution in Paisley.

He was also a long-standing and active supporter of the Accord Hospice in the town.

A committed Christian, he served as an elder in St Georges's East and Lylesland churches in Paisley, carrying the qualities of integrity, honesty and loyalty with him into his everyday life.

A large man in every sense, but a gentle one who liked nothing better than walking the hills in the countryside he loved, he weighed his public duties lightly.

Roy Sinclair made a huge contribution to the life of Paisley, town and gown, and will be greatly missed by many.

But by none more than his wife Ellen, sons Stuart and Andrew and their families, and his brother and sisters. David Duff