The death has been announced of one of Helensburgh's most-loved residents - Billy Petrie OBE.

Known to many as 'Mr Helensburgh', Mr Petrie enjoyed decades of public service as a councillor and had the unique distinction of being Provost in three different councils during his lengthy tenure.

For decades, Mr Petrie balanced public service with his career as a postmaster, serving the community of Rhu – a role he only expected to be in for a few weeks when he first started.

He was working in his dad’s general store next door when the postmaster in Helensburgh asked him to help out by taking over the adjacent post office.

Speaking to the Advertiser in 2008, Mr Petrie recalled: “I went for some training and I thought I would be keeping it going for a fortnight or three weeks – but never thought it was going to be ‘short-term’ for 50 years.”

Mr Petrie was an elected councillor in the area for 45 years, on Helensburgh Town Council, Dumbarton District Council, Strathclyde Regional Council and Argyll and Bute Council.

In 2012, upon his retiral from public service, he was installed as a Freeman of Argyll and Bute in recognition of his service to the community, his work in promoting tourism in Scotland and his service to local government at a special investiture ceremony at Helensburgh’s Victoria Halls.

Influential townspeople including his friends, fellow councillors, dignitaries and his proud family gathered at the ceremony as Billy Petrie OBE JP DL was invested as a Freeman of Argyll and Bute, one of only a few men to have received the honour.

Great contribution

At the time of his retiral, Argyll and Bute Council leader Dick Walsh led tributes in a moving speech to mark the end of an era and told the audience: “He is the only person in Scotland to serve as provost of three different councils.

“This is a great testimony to his qualifications as a person and as someone who has made a great contribution to people's lives throughout this area.

“For many years, Billy had the largest majority in the region in district elections. In one year in particular, he had the highest majority in Scotland.

"This demonstrates the popularity of Billy with local people who appreciate the hard work he puts in to serve his community.”

'A huge blow for the region'

Helensburgh and Lomond's MSP, Jackie Baillie, said Billy left "a wonderful legacy" to the community.

Ms Baillie said: “Billy was such a popular person throughout the area. He worked across the political divide and made many friends in our local community and within the council.

“His loss is a huge blow for the region and my deepest condolences are with his family and many friends who will miss him greatly.

“He leaves a wonderful legacy due to his determination to stand up for the people he served.”

Helensburgh Bowling Club, of which Mr Petrie was honorary president, also paid tribute.

Alice Bowden, club secretary, told the Advertiser: "He was a gentleman and a very highly respected member of our community and Helensburgh Bowling Club. He will be greatly missed."