Political colleagues have paid tribute to a former Fife councillor who died suddenly after an accident in his Kirkcaldy home.
George Leslie, who was a councillor for over 30 years and a member of the SNP for nearly 50 years, had been ill for some time but died as a result of a fall on Thursday evening.
Although he had retired from the building industry some years ago, Mr Leslie (74) had only retired as councillor for Kirkcaldy East in April. Previously, he was councillor for the town’s Smeaton area.
Fellow politicians who worked with the SNP stalwart spoke of a hard-working councillor who put his constituents first.
Council leader Alex Rowley said Mr Leslie was highly respected across the political spectrum.
The Labour councillor said: ”He was a real community person, a down-to-earth, decent man who cared about people and would fight hard for those he represented.
”The news of George’s death has brought a real sense of sadness amongst all who knew and worked with him over many years, and our deepest condolences are for his family at this sad time.”
Kirkcaldy SNP MSP David Torrance said: ”He was one of the longest-serving councillors in Kirkcaldy and he was my mentor when I first joined the SNP.
”I had a great respect for George and I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for him. My thoughts go out to his wife Doreen and his family.”
SNP councillor for Lochgelly and Cardenden, Ian Chisholm, struck up a bond with Mr Leslie after meeting him five years ago as they had both undergone heart bypass operations and regarded him as a good friend and confidante.
He said: ”I was extremely saddened to hear of the tragic death of George, who was a dedicated councillor for over 30 years and dearly loved by all who knew him.
”He was very proud to serve the people of Smeaton as well as the other areas he went on to represent during his time as a councillor.
”He was very much a people person and those who knew him well would know what I mean when I say he was more of a councillor than a politician. Above all, he was a devout family man.”
Stuart MacPhail, who succeeded Mr Leslie as the SNP councillor for Kirkcaldy East, knew him for over four decades.
He said: ”He was a remarkable man. I was absolutely devastated when I heard the news.
”George was a committed nationalist all his days but he had the ability to transcend politics. Many of those who voted for George voted for George rather than the party.”
Independent councillor for Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages, Andrew Rodger, was another good friend of Mr Leslie’s and said: ”He was one of the hardest-working councillors you could come across. He always put his constituents first.
”It is really sad what has happened to him. He was a true gentleman and he will be missed.”
Mr Leslie fought back to fitness after his heart bypass operation several years ago to run a half marathon in Glenrothes to raise money for the ward where he was a patient.
He was also a talented wood carver and a coat-of-arms he carved is on display in the provost’s office in Kirkcaldy Town House.
Mr Leslie is survived by Doreen, his two daughters Michelle and Jacqueline, sons Mark and Craig, five grandchildren and great-granddaughter.