Billy Petrie, who served the Helensburgh area as a councillor for more than four decades, has died peacefully at home at the age of 94.
The first Provost of Argyll and Bute, Billy was awarded the OBE for his service to the area, where he represented voters as an independent in four different councils – he is thought to have been the only person in Scotland who was provost of three different councils.
When he retired ten years ago he was only the second person to be awarded the freedom of Argyll and Bute (below) – councillors gave him a standing ovation.
A Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, he was also chairman of Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs Tourist Board.
More locally, he organised the New Year’s Swim at Rhu Marina for many years, the village where in 1967 he was postmaster and shopkeeper when he was first elected to the Helensburgh District Council – with 94% of the vote.
When local government reorganisation in 1975 saw that council dissolved, Billy became a member of both Dumbarton district and Strathclyde regional councils.
When local government was again reformed in 1996, Billy led the area into Argyll and Bute Council, where latterly he represented the Lomond North ward.
On his retiral, then council leader Dick Walsh said: “He is the only person in Scotland to have served as provost of three different councils. This is a great testimony to his qualifications as a person and as someone who has made a great contribution to people’s lives throughout this area.
“For many years, Billy had the largest majority in the region in district elections — in one year in particular he had the highest majority in Scotland.
“This demonstrates the popularity of Billy with local people who appreciate the hard work he puts in to serve his community.”
The late Cllr Ellen Morton added: “Dick spoke of Billy in Dumbarton and Billy in Argyll and Bute, but for us in Helensburgh and Lomond, Billy is Mr Helensburgh.
“He is our Billy, he is the person you go to for help when you need something done, because Billy will help you if you have a problem whether or not you represent a political party.”
Funeral details have yet to be confirmed – arrangements are being handled by James Auld Funeral Directors.
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