Former Tory MP and MSP Phil Gallie had died aged 71.
The popular politician was born in Portsmouth in 1939, but attended Dunfermline High School before becoming an apprentice electrical fitter at Rosyth Dockyard. He worked for both the Merchant Navy and Ben Line Power Industry.
Phil began his political career on Cunninghame District Council and then as Member of the UK Parliament for Ayr between 1992 and 1997.
He then became a vice-chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party, and was elected to the Scottish Parliament to represent South of Scotland region at the 1999 election, having narrowly failed to win the Ayr seat by 25 votes.
At Holyrood, he was the Scottish Conservative spokesman on constitutional affair and was re-elected as a list member in 2003, before standing down in 2007.
Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie said: “Phil was that rare breed of politician: admired by friend and foe alike and a tireless advocate for the people of his beloved Ayr, his Party and Scotland.
“No one who knew Phil will ever forget the passion and enthusiasm he brought to everything he did.
“Phil was a great family man and his care and love for his late wife Marion as she battled with illness was humbling and inspiring to us all. He will be sorely missed by his children Kirsteen and Craig, and his grandchildren.
“He leaves a gap in our lives. I have lost a friend and Scotland has lost a shining example of a true public servant, someone who cared deeply about people and loved his Country.”
Phil was married to Marion, whom he cared for until her passing in 2006.
He is survived by his children Kirsteen and Craig and his grandchildren.
