A TOWERING figure of West Dunbartonshire has passed away at the age of 78.

Former councillor and provost Alistair Macdonald MBE served the public continuously for 27 years before his retirement in 2007. In that time he become a fixture in both the Labour Party and local government.

Born on the Isle of Lewis on May 29, 1941, Alistair also spent time as a police officer at the gates of John Brown’s shipyards, making him known in even more circles.

Douglas McAllister, councillor and former provost himself, said his friend and mentor was synonymous with the term “provost” for many residents.

“He was an absolute stalwart,” said Cllr McAllister. “It was almost a running joke amongst Labour members – you could put your mortgage on him winning a seat.

“He genuinely cared so much about constituents – he enjoyed his surgery work. He said, ‘Never allow a constituent to leave with a heavy heart – there’s always something you can do for them’.”

Alistair’s counsel also included when to get involved in a fight and when to stay quiet as they would sit together at sometimes robust meetings of, then, 17 Labour councillors out of 22 on West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

He had served on Clydebank District Council before it, representing Kilbowie and then Parkhall. He had periods as provost on both councils and upon his retirement, he was made a Freeman of WDC and also served as deputy lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

His formal roles saw him regularly deploy his fluent Gaelic skills, never missing an opportunity to speak the language. And he was involved closely with the Polish community, particularly ensuring a plaque to honour their support during the Blitz.

Alistair was also a keen gardener with two allotments, with one in Drumry and one at Second Avenue. And he had the family croft on Lewis.

He had his wife Betty at his side for 59 years, having met while he was a police cadet in Dumbarton, and he was often seen with her brother, Ian, with whom he had a great bond. Ian passed away earlier this year at the age of 63.

Alistair’s family and friends celebrated his life at a service at Dalnottar Cemetery on Christmas Eve.

Cllr McAllister added: “It will be an incredibly sad day for the town. He was a very famous Bankie and a very proud Bankie.”

Provost William Hendrie paid tribute to his predecessor saying: “I was very sad to hear of Alistair’s passing.

“I got to know Alistair when I attended council meetings as an SNP liaison officer before I was elected as a Councillor in 2007. We got on well and I always respected him.”

“My thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, added: “Alistair Macdonald was a warm, kind and thoroughly decent person. He was an excellent Councillor, much loved by his constituents, and a superb provost.

“He will be sorely missed by his many friends in the Labour Party and the wider community. My condolences go to his wife, Betty and the family.”