Third Election in Baillieston

The sudden death of Labour Councillor Douglas ‘Dougie’ Hay on 27 September, means Baillieston will soon have to hold a third by-election.

Aged 76, Dougie had been a full time trade union official for the National Union of Public Employees from 1978 till his retirement in 1995. He came out of retirement to stand for the Baillieston multi-member ward in May 2007 and was elected with 1341 votes alongside Jim Coleman who polled 2689 votes.

Lord Provost Bob Winter said: ‘Dougie was a respected Councillor who was very conscientious in his work for his constituents. He was a man of independent mind who was passionate about social justice and public service in particular about the NHS and its founder, Nye Bevan.’

Steven Purcell, Labour group leader in the City Council, said: ‘Dougie was a great champion of the underdog. He was passionate about his constituents and was very proud to represent Baillieston. His quick wit and intelligence proved great fun at social occasions and added to the lively debate in the Labour group and in Council meetings.’

Councillor Hay had served the Baillieston area at Strathclyde Regional Council from 1975 until its abolition when he then represented that neighbourhood as a City Council councillor from 1996 till 1999 when he retired from that aspect of politics.

A joiner to trade he served his apprenticeship at Wylie & Lochhead and worked for more than 30 years in John Brown and Govan Shipbuilders’ yards.  He was active in the 1971 ‘work-in’ at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders. An outdoors man, he was a keen skier and walker and taught his three children to ski and camp. He established the John Smith Memorial Walk as a charity fundraiser for the Scottish Labour Party. He was involved in planning the 50^th and the 60^th anniversary celebrations of the National Health Service.

Dougie is survived by his wife Janet, his children Kirstin, Gavin and Shona and seven grandchildren.