DATING to November 1985, this photograph shows tributes being paid to a stalwart of the Labour Party, former Greenock Provost John Reid.

John had been a member for 49 years, during which time he was also a founder of the Greenock branch.

The former chairman of Strathclyde Regional Council’s highways and transportation committee received the national certificate of merit for outstanding service to the Labour Party after being nominated by Greenock Young Socialists.

Dr Norman Godman MP presented the certificate and John, whose wife May is shown in the centre, received a framed wall clock from Gordon Dangerfield, the Young Socialists’ chairman. John was Provost of Greenock from 1959 to 1962, and served as convener on virtually every Greenock Corporation committee, in addition to being a police judge, JP and magistrate.

He was also chairman of Greenock Trades Council, chairman of Greenock Labour Party and general organiser of the Transport and General Workers Union.

In 1966 he was awarded the OBE for political and public services.

John passed away in 1994 at the age of 85. After his death former Labour Party agent Mary Thomas said: “John was regarded by us all as the ‘grandfather’ of the party.

“We all went to him when we needed help and advice.” Returning to today’s picture, it is interesting to note that it also includes two councillors who would become Provosts of Inverclyde — Cathie Allan, third from right, and David Roach, second from right.

Furthermore, a young Stephen McCabe, the current leader of Inverclyde Council, is fourth from the left.