Published: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009 12:54pm

Tributes paid to former Galashiels councillor

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TRIBUTES have been paid to former Galashiels councillor, Alex Scott MBE, who died in his sleep aged 95.

Alex had more than 37 years of local government experience, first joining Galashiels Town Council in 1961.

He also served on Ettrick and Lauderdale District Council and Scottish Borders Council. He retired from local government at the age of 85 in 1999, having also been a Bailie with the Town Council and a Magistrate and JP.

In 1999, he was awarded the MBE for services to local government and the community.

Alex was passionate about local government and his main interests were parks, sport and licensing. Between 1995 and 1999, he served as Chairman of Ettrick and Lauderdale Sports Council and as Chairman of Ettrick and Lauderdale Licensing Board.

Alex was instrumental in setting up the first ever Sports Council in the Borders. A long time supporter of Gala RFC, having been a member for 66 years, Alex served as an honorary Vice President.

He served as President of the Braw Lads Gathering between 1982 and 1984 and was a lifelong supporter of the gathering. In his spare time, Alex was a very keen bowler.

Council Leader David Parker, paying tribute to Alex, said: "Alex Scott was a very kind gentleman and someone who I had a great affection and respect for.

"When I first became an elected member, Alex was extremely helpful to me in the early days and was always very supportive. He was very committed to the development of sport and sporting facilities and played an instrumental part in the creation of our current Sports Development team.

"He was a character who is synonymous with the 5th ward in Gala and was widely respected by all his colleagues. Galashiels and local government have lost one of their friends and our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Betty and the rest of the family."

A funeral for Alex will be held at Trinity Church, High Street, Galashiels (opposite Iceland) on December 8 at 10am, thereafter at Eastlands Cemetery at 11am.

Councillor Parker added: "As a mark of respect to Alex and in tribute to his service to local government, the flag on the Burgh Buildings in Galashiels has been lowered to half mast and it will stay that way until after the funeral next Tuesday."