TRIBUTES have poured in for "true gentleman" and former Clackmannanshire Provost Walter McAdam, who has died aged 90.

Mr McAdam, from Tillicoultry, served in the post for four years, from 1999 to 2003, and went on to receive an MBE for services to the community in 2007.

He also held his position as an SNP councillor – he was at one time believed to be the oldest and longest serving in Scotland – until 2017, when he retired.

Current Provost Donald Balsillie said: "I was sad to hear that former Provost McAdam has passed away. He served at all levels of local government – Town, Regional, District and on Clackmannanshire Council.

"He served as Provost from 1999 until 2003. I remember he was particularly proud when he was awarded an MBE for Services to the Community in 2007.

"His interests were wide ranging and he was on a number of different Council committees over his many years of service. He was also chairman of Forth Valley Disability Sport and chair of the board of SSERC."

The dedicated politician was elected to Central Regional Council in the Devonvale ward, which included Tillicoultry, Dollar and Muckhart, in 1982, 1986, and 1994 before being elected to the shadow authority covering Clackmannanshire in 1995 where he represented Tillicoultry, an area he said he spoke for at all levels of local government.

He was a councillor on Clackmannanshire Council when it came into existence in 1996 and was then further elected to Tillicoultry East in 2003 and Clackmannanshire North in 2007 and 2012.

Ellen Forson, current leader of Clacks council, added: "Walter McAdam was one of the longest serving councillors in Scotland when he retired in 2017 and was a dedicated public servant who took his job very seriously.

"On a personal level, he was a great support to me when I was newly elected and for that I will always be grateful.

"He was a true gentlemen who cared passionately about the local area and people and I think that's what he will be remembered for.

"My thoughts are with Pat and all his family at this difficult time."

Cllr Kenneth Earle, Labour representative for Clackmannanshire South, had served alongside the dedicated politician during his time as provost and local representative.

He said: "He was certainly a dedicated councillor; he was quite a person to work with – but he was quite fun."

The pair had worked more closely together when Mr McAdam was chair of the licensing board, one of the several positions he held during his time working within the council.

Cllr Earle continued: "We were at the other side of the table, but we had a lot of respect for each other, it was good he was able to serve as provost.

"He was certainly old school; he was very dedicated, even towards the end when you could see his health was failing.

"He'll be sadly missed from both sides of the table – councillors and ex-councillors have nothing but good things to say about Walter."

Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, also paid tribute.

He added: "I was truly sorry to learn of the death of Walter McAdam. With his passing, the people of Clackmannanshire have lost a great public servant.

"Over the course of several decades, Walter represented the people of Tillicoultry on Central Region, on Clackmannan District Council, and on Clackmannanshire Council.

"Walter's commitment to community and country was strong and deep. When he became Provost of Clackmannanshire Council, it was the chain of the old Burgh of Tillicoultry that he wore. And, of course, his passion for Scotland and the pursuit of independence was at the very core of his politics.

"Like many others of his generation, Walter tilled the soil, planted the seeds and tended the shoots of the independence movement, but it will be for others to reap the final harvest of their hard work.

"Walter was the very definition of a party stalwart. For so many years he was simply synonymous with Clackmannanshire SNP. He was a friend, a colleague, a mentor and a guide. He will be sadly missed, and my thoughts are with Walter's wife, Pat, and his family."