Warm tributes paid to a long-serving Inverclyde Boys' Brigade stalwart

James Randal McLean passed away at Ardgowan Hospice on February 8, aged 74.

Randal, as he was known, is best-remembered for his long association with 1st Greenock Company, which he joined as a boy.

He rose through the ranks to become captain in 1993, a post he held for 13 years.

He has been described as 'one of the finest and most dedicated servants' of the BB locally and nationally.

David Baillie, who succeeded Randal as captain at 1st Greenock, said: "Randal was both a stickler for tradition on the one hand and a forward thinker on the other.

"He could be relied upon to make helpful suggestions when he felt standards were slipping. "He was a rock for all the current staff and always willing to give advice when asked.

"There are hundreds of boys who owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for encouraging them to fulfil their potential and many will credit him with playing a big part in shaping the person they are today. "He was an outstanding role model for the boys of the company and his legacy will live on through them."

Born on January 12, 1945, Randal grew up locally and attended The Mount and Greenock High schools before joining the Clydesdale Bank where he spent his entire working career, latterly as a branch manager.

He was an active member and elder at Lyle Kirk in Greenock, being ordained into the eldership in 1972.

Randal was also a member of Greenock Golf Club, a keen Morton supporter and he enjoyed time at Greenock Cricket Club too.

Other than his family, Randal's other true love was the Boys' Brigade.

He was captain of 1st Greenock from 1993 to 2006.

His colleagues say he was fiercely proud of all those who had passed through the ranks and was heard to say on many occasions 'he was ex-1st Greenock' when talking about people who had gone on to achieve great things.

Even after retiring as captain, he continued to dedicate his life to the BB, taking on the role of national competition co-ordinator and continuing to assist countless young men in the 1st Greenock to achieve their Queen's Badge.

Alan Aitken MBE, president of Inverclyde & District Battalion, said: "Randal McLean was a BB man through and through. "He dedicated his entire life to the Boys' Brigade, both locally and nationally, and his commitment to the organisation was unquestionable. "We will miss his wise counsel and his desire to see things done properly.

"Like all great servants to the brigade it will be some time before we all realise, whether locally here in Inverclyde or further afield, the full extent of all of the things he did for the Boys' Brigade."

Randal's funeral took place on Tuesday, conducted by Reverend Owen Derrick at a packed Lyle Kirk in Newark Street.

Amongst the mourners were brigade secretary, Bill Stevenson, and director for Scotland, John Sharp.

In a final mark of respect, a large guard of honour was formed with his beloved 1st Greenock Company at the head as Randal took his final journey at Greenock Crematorium.

Randal's nephew, Martin O'Brien, said: "As a family we've been overwhelmed by how high a regard Randal was held in the local community, within the Lyle Kirk, by his friends and by the Boys' Brigade. "We are so proud of him and what he achieved during his life through his professional career, the church and community and within the BB, but also through how he lived his life. "He was quiet and humble, but gave a huge amount of his time to others whilst expecting nothing in return.

"The structure and order that both the church and BB gave to Randal as a boy stuck with him and, although he never married, he had one of the largest 'families' through both of these organisations, and his many solid and enduring friendships.

"As an uncle, and great-uncle, we will miss him a great deal but our sadness is matched with pride as we have never met so many kind and decent people from his friends, the BB community and the church all of which were also his 'family', providing friendship and support over the years."