The UK’s last Communist councillor has been given the Freedom of Fife.
Willie Clarke, who retired last June as a Fife councillor, was honoured for the exceptional contribution he has made to the kingdom and public services for more than 40 years.
Mr Clarke, who was the chairman of Cowdenbeath area committee before he stepped down, was presented with a scroll and an inscribed quaich from the council, a memory book with messages from his former colleagues and friends, and flowers for his wife Betty.
The Freedom of Fife is the highest honour that Fife Council can bestow and has previously only been given to two recipients – Sir Jimmy Shand and The Black Watch.
Fife Council chief executive Steve Grimmond praised the work Mr Clarke has done for Fife.
“This honour is thoroughly deserved and is going to a man who has worked tirelessly for his local constituents over many decades,” he said.
“Willie has brought a dedication, wisdom, dignity and deep compassion to representing his community and has approached this with selflessness and humility.
“On behalf of Fife Council we wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his service.”
Mr Clarke joined the Communist Party soon after he began working in a local mining pit at the age of 14.
He was first elected to Fife’s County Council in May 1973, as the Cold War gripped the western world, and he has gone on to serve on various committees over the years – as well as being a hugely influential figure in the local area.
On stepping down from the council earlier this year, he said: “It has been a hard decision to make.
“I had hoped to see things through to the council elections next May, but over the past few months one or two problems have made it difficult to be able to be as committed as I want to be to this very important job.”
