TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Helensburgh councillor who left her mark on the town for generations to come.
Moyra Stewart passed away on June 19 after a long illness.
She was instrumental in protecting East Bay's grassed area for recreation during her time reviving the Liberal Democrats in the area.
Born in 1938, Moyra attended the University of Glasgow and gained a degree in physics. Her early work was teaching, much of it in Ghana, where she was part of an aid programme alongside her mother.
They were heavily involved in Save the Children, a charity that would remain close to her heart throughout her life.
When she returned to the UK, she qualified in environmental engineering at Reading University. There she met husband Malcolm, who worked at the Road Research Laboratory in Crowthorne.
They were soon joined by daughters Helen and Mary.
In 1988, they moved to Helensburgh, where Moyra worked in computer management at Strathclyde Business School, then Glasgow University.
She and Malcolm joined St Columba's Church and remained in the congregation until the church closed.
For many years, Moyra offered their home, the Old Pump House, as a venue for Save the Children fund-raising activities. The space formerly holding pumping machinery made for an ideal space for concerts in their efforts. They also held several auctions there to raise large sums for the cause.
Another interest for the couple was Scottish country dancing, with their home again playing host to many social activities, including annual Hogmanay parties.
Moyra was a keen member of the Liberal Democrats and became the first councillor for the party for Helensburgh on Argyll and Bute Council after winning a by-election in 1996 for Helensburgh East.
Former MP for Argyll and Bute, Alan Reid, said a key part of her campaign was to save the East Bay grass area, in opposition to council plans to sell it and its old Pavilion building for offices.
She represented Helensburgh until she retired in 2007.
Alan, paying tribute, said: "Moyra led the revival of the Liberal Democrats in Helensburgh when she won the by-election.
"She was passionate about standing up for Helensburgh and local residents. The high esteem in which Moyra was held was demonstrated by local people electing her three times with comfortable majorities."
Eric Thompson, who served alongside Moyra on the council for eight years, said: "When I retired from a 37-year career in the Royal Navy, I thought it was time to have a say in how the country was run but was not a member of a political party.
"The Liberal Democrats seemed to be closest to my political views and so, with much trepidation, I contacted Councillor Moyra Stewart, the local Lib Dem councillor, for advice.
"She greeted me with open arms, and with Moyra's guidance, I found myself being elected as councillor for Helensburgh East for the next eight years. I wish that more politicians were truly as public-spirited as Moyra. She is a great loss to the Helensburgh community.”
Moyra is survived by her husband Malcolm, their daughters, Helen and Mary and their grandchildren, Laurie, Roman and Finlay.
A funeral service will be held at Cardross Crematorium on July 9 at 11.15am.
Donations to Save the Children would be appreciated.
Share