LOOKING back 40 years ago this month, warm tributes were paid following the passing of a Gourock man said to have been the longest-serving member of the Labour Party in Britain.

Johnstone Scott, who was 92, joined the party at the age of 16 and was an active member throughout his life.

He stepped down as chairman of the Gourock branch in the early 1970s to let his close friend Willie Boyle take over, then he became treasurer.

In May, 1994, Willie, who still held the post of branch chairman, told the Telegraph: “Johnstone will be sadly missed.

“Under pressure, he was the coolest man you ever met. There was no one like him.”

Tommy Graham, Labour MP for Renfrew West and Inverclyde, said: “Johnstone was a stalwart who worked continuously for the Labour Party.

“He was involved in all our campaigns and his commitment was an inspiration to everyone who knew him and worked with him.

“He was a true gentleman and a tremendous socialist who fought for what he believed in. We have lost a great man.”

Johnstone worked in the tool room in Kincaid’s and IBM for many years. As a shop steward, he received a merit award for dedicating more than 30 years to the Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU).

He had been a president of Gourock Bowling Club until a few years before his death, and enjoyed playing the sport with his late brother Peter.

A great grandfather, Johnstone, who lived at 25 Royal Street, was predeceased by his wife Mary and passed away peacefully in Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

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* TODAY'S photo flashback is a postcard of the Cloch Lighthouse which came out in 1949.

The lighthouse would remain remain manned until 1974 when automation was introduced.