TRADE union official Bob Gillespie has died aged 84.
The father of Primal Scream star Bobby Gillespie was a "stalwart" force of the Scottish trade union movement.
He was the Labour candidate during the historic 1988 Govan by-election that saw the Scottish National Party win by a massive 33% swing, cementing the rise of the SNP.
Following the defeat Gillespie focused on other areas, raising more than £1 million for victims of the Chernobyl disaster.
Taking to Instagram, son Bobby shared a snap in front of a statue his dad had erected in honour of those who joined the International Brigades in Spain.
He wrote: "During the Thatcher years of the 1980s my father ... and some of his fellow Scottish trade unionists had this statue erected to commemorate the men and women of Scotland and Glasgow who volunteered to go to Spain to fight for the democratically elected republican government against a military coup led by General Franco's fascist phalange army."
Dozens of tributes have been left for the late activist.
Cathcart Labour shared a statement of condolences, writing: "Bob Gillespie was a stalwart of our CLP, the national Labour Party and the entire trade union movement.
"Labour values were in his bones and his solidarity for workers everywhere was unflinching.
"We are all very, very sad he has passed. You’ll be missed Bob, Rest in Peace Comrade."
Bob Gillespie was a stalwart of our CLP, the national Labour Party & the entire trade union movement. Labour values were in his bones & his solidarity for workers everywhere was unflinching. We are all very, very sad he has passed. You’ll be missed Bob, Rest in Peace Comrade 🌹 pic.twitter.com/CGZSdThwEN
— Cathcart Labour (@CathcartLabour) April 12, 2023
The Scottish Trade Union Congress also shared a tribute.
It wrote: "We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Gillespie.
"Bob was a credit to our movement and will be remembered fondly by many.
"Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."
We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Gillespie. Bob was a credit to our movement and will be remembered fondly by many. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time. https://t.co/17WdRzWvf1
— STUC (@ScottishTUC) April 12, 2023
Others responded to the news with personal messages about the loss.
Labour councillor for Southside Central Soryia Siddique responded to the news.
She said: "RIP Bob Gillespie - a decent principled gentleman. You were a good friend and comrade - thanks for your wise words and support."
Cardonald Labour councillor Matt Kerr said: "Absolutely gutted to hear that Bob Gillespie passed away this morning."
