Tributes have been paid to former Fife councillor and housing chairman, Alex Sawers, who died at the weekend in his home village of Hill of Beath.
Mr Sawers served for over 21 years, being elected to Dunfermline District Council in 1984 and then Fife Council, from which he retired in 2007.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, “Alex was a great public servant who gave absolute commitment and dedication to the communities he served and to the whole of Fife through his role as the housing chairman.
“For me he was a personal friend and a plain speaker, always on hand to offer support and the benefit of his vast knowledge of local government and in particular housing.
“My thoughts are with his wife Georgina and family.”
Former provost John Simpson added, “I had the privilege of working alongside Alex over many years and I can honestly say he was the most con scientious councillor I have ever worked with.
“His contribution to improving the housing stock in Fife cannot be overstated.
“His legacy is that Fife has some of the best public sector housing in the country.”
He added, “He also found the time to oversee the successful Hill of Beath Ex-Servicemen’s Club and support his beloved Hill of Beath Hawthorns.”
Fife Labour leader Councillor Alex Rowley said, “Alex Sawers was respected throughout the Labour Party as a role model who always had time for supporting other members.
“He was a passionate man who cared about social justice and local government and his contribution made a big difference that will be felt for years to come.”