An influential Largs man who became Provost of North Ayrshire has sadly passed away this week.
Bobby Rae served as SNP councillor in North Ayrshire Council for many years, and was elevated to the position of Provost in 2007 - a role he fulfilled for two and a half years before having to step down due to illness. He had been a huge figure in the political party in Largs going back decades.
Bobby sailed around the world with the Merchant Navy, and had many tales to tell from his seafaring days.
Bobby worked for Shell in Glasgow and, in early retirement, was elected as the first SNP councillor in North Ayrshire over 20 years ago.
For years he was the only Nationalist councillor, representing Largs and Millport, but as his party grew in support he was appointed Provost after the 2007 elections, and it came down to the cut of the cards as he selected an Ace card. 
As Provost, Bobby was invited to serve many events around the district, including welcoming Princess Anne to Largs on a prestigious visit to the Scottish Sailing Institute to visit the RYA Volvo Youth National Championships in 2009. 
Current Provost Ian Clarkson said: “I am extremely saddened to hear news of Bobby’s passing. I always found him to be a councillor who cared deeply about his community and wanted to make a difference to the lives of those he served.
“For a while, we actually worked together – while Bobby was Provost, I served as Depute Provost so I could see his commitment to public service first hand.
“His absence was felt after he stepped down as Provost in 2010 due to ill health, and I would like to pay tribute to the work he did for the people of North Ayrshire over many years. Our thoughts are with his family.”