One of Scotland’s longest-serving councillors, who was made an MBE for services to his community, has died at the age of 84.
Sydney Mair, born in Banff, was described by his loved-ones as a devoted and adored family man.
Mr Mair of Deyhill, Macduff, was elected to join the Town’s Council in 1964 after making the snap decision to stand as a candidate.
Little did he know that 48 years later he would have seen two reorganisations of the council and received recognition from the Queen in 2010 for services to the community of Macduff over almost five decades.
When accepting his MBE from the Queen at Hollyrood House in Edinburgh, his wife Thelma and daughters Anne and Paula were by his side.
He also leaves behind sons-in-law Graeme and Colin, grandchildren Albert, Steven, Louise, Emma and Laura, and great-grandchildren Riley, Daisy, Alba, Sofia, Cooper and Jude.
His family last night said: “He was very much a devoted husband, a loving and adored dad, granda and great-granda.
“He will be terribly missed and remembered by all of us.”
As councillors at the time of his election in 1964 served on a voluntary basis and received no remuneration, Mr Mair’s main job was as an electrician.
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He began his career as an apprentice with Harry Watson, based in Low Street, before working with Davidsons of Cullen until the firm went out of business.
After that, he was self-employed until he retired at the age of 65 to continue his work as a councillor full-time.
He remained a councillor until he lost his seat in May 2012.
In an interview with the Press and Journal, after being recognised by Aberdeenshire Council for nearly half a century of service, Mr Mair said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Macduff over the last 48 years.
“The only advice I would like to give new councillors is to observe the three Ls; ‘look, listen and learn’.
“If I am to be remembered, I would like it to be in the words of the Frank Sinatra song – I Did it my Way.”
Last night, tributes poured in from councillors who knew him and had seen the work he did for the Macduff and Troup community.
Councillor Ross Cassie, who was elected after Mr Mair left the council, knew him through a number community projects in the area.
He said: “There’s years of community work for the people of Macduff and Aberdeenshire that he will be remembered through.
“My thoughts go to his family. This is a very sad loss for Macduff and the community.”
Councillor Mark Findlater also expressed his condolences.
He said: “As a councillor for 48 years, I knew him as I dealt with a lot of third sector things he was involved in.
“I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
“He did an awful lot for the area in his years as a councillor and I’m sure he will be missed by friends and family and the people of Macduff.”
A funeral service will be held in Moray Crematorium on Tuesday at 11.30am, to which all friends are respectfully invited.
