FORMER Liberal Democrat councillor Eddie Gallacher of Greenock has died suddenly at the age of 57.

He served on Inverclyde Council from 2003 to 2007, representing Bow Farm/Pennyfern and worked as bakery manager at Aulds in Greenock.

His former colleagues have been left stunned by the news of his death on Tuesday morning.

Provost Robert Moran today led warm tributes to the popular councillor.

The Provost said: “I knew Eddie for many years as a friend and as a fellow councillor.

“He was a dedicated friend to all who knew him, and a defender of the local community he served.

“He focussed his time as a councillor on helping the community in all of his actions.

“Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in setting up River Clyde Homes.” The Provost also poignantly recalled sharing a laugh with Mr Gallacher when the pair teamed up to take on American wrestlers for a charity match to raise money for the tsunami appeal several years ago.

Provost Moran added: “We missed Eddie as a fellow councillor when he was no longer a member of the council, but, with his passing, we will now miss Eddie the friend.

“On behalf of Inverclyde Council, I would like to pass my condolences on to his wife and family at this very difficult time.” Council leader Stephen McCabe said he was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Mr Gallacher’s death.

Cllr McCabe said: “We served on the council together between 2003 and 2007, and I found him to be a really decent man and a hardworking councillor.

“He was respected and liked across the political spectrum.

“I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife and family at this difficult time.” Councillor Ciano Rebecchi, who was Provost when Mr Gallacher was a councillor, said they had been friends for many years.

He said: “It was a terrible shock to hear about Eddie. He was a good family man and a dedicated councillor who always wanted to help people.

“Eddie did a lot behind the scenes and was a really nice guy.” Former councillor Alan Blair, who was local authority leader from 2003 to 2007, described Mr Gallacher as ‘very energetic’.

Mr Blair said: “He held a very responsible job at Aulds but he was very active on behalf of his constituents and helped to recover Rankin Park for public use after it had been sold to a developer.

“He was very straightforward and effective.” Mr Gallacher was chair of licensing and registration and vice-convener of several committees, including handling the housing portfolio as part of environment and regeneration.

Aulds’ chief executive Alan Marr said the company had lost an invaluable employee.

He said: “Eddie was a well-respected and key member of the Aulds operation over many years.

“He served his apprenticeship with Aulds as a baker, during which time he met his wife, Adrienne, who also worked for Aulds.

“Eddie then joined Safeway as a bakery manager and after a number of successful years, he rejoined Aulds in August 1995 as a team leader at the manufacturing facility at Inchinnan.

“He was subsequently promoted to production manager and was a key member of the team at Inchinnan.

“After 15 years at Inchinnan, Eddie returned to Greenock as bakery manager.

“Over the last five years Eddie has helped develop the business significantly.

“His contribution and loyalty to the company has been commendable, and his passing is a great loss to the company as an employee, a colleague and a friend. He will be sorely missed.” Mr Gallacher is survived by his wife, Adrienne and children Elaine and Mark.