Warm tributes have been paid to former Montrose councillor Sandy West after his death.
The 76-year-old from Bridge of Dun died after a brief illness. His wife Irene, 72, said: “No better husband could be found and no better father could be found.
“He was honest, honourable and a man who lived a simple life with good principles.”
Mr West was born in Ferryden in 1937 and joined the Merchant Navy aged 20 after serving his time as a baker.
He went on to become a well-respected and popular councillor and avid campaigner for Scottish independence throughout a 40-year career with the SNP.
His family said he will be remembered as a “strong and caring man” who loved to travel and treat his family and friends, especially with barbecues.
His son Roddy, 47, said: “The amount of friends and family that have come round just proves the legacy he has left.
“His close friend Jim McGugan has travelled via three buses to Ninewells every day for the past five weeks to see him. He has been a tower of strength for the family.”
Son Blair, 45, said: “He was a very honest man and people trusted his words. He carried himself with a lot of respect. He was interesting to hear talking but he listened to people too.”
Mr West’s former SNP colleagues also paid tribute to the man, who named his family’s beloved dog “Indy”.
Angus South MSP Graeme Dey said: “Sandy was a warm and kind man with a great sense of humour and he’ll be sadly missed by friends as well as family. He gave great service to the people of Montrose and the SNP over many years.”
SNP colleagues Councillor Bill Duff and Angus MP Mike Weir, along with politicians from opposing parties, also expressed their sadness after Mr West’s death.
His funeral will take place on Monday at Dun Church at 12. The family have requested mourners to not wear black ties and instead attend wearing blue in tribute to Mr West’s love of Scotland.
He is survived by his wife Irene, sons Roddy and Blair, his two grandchildren and beloved dog Indy.