TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Millport man after he sadly passed away.

Sandy Morton, 78, was a well-kent local face having served as a local councillor and popular businessman who ran dairy and bike shops on the island, as well as others specialising in electronics, amateur radio and TV repairs.

He was born Alexander Thomas Morton on 27 January 1941 at Redlands hospital in Glasgow to parents William Reid Morton and Annie Black Morton.

Sandy grew up in Rutherglen but moved to the Isle of Cumbrae aged 12.

He attended the local primary before going to Rothesay for secondary education before moving on to agricultural college.

After leaving college he came back to the island, opened a shop at the pier and also helped with the family business at Whinfield Dairy.

His next move in business was the bike shop where he would regularly welcome customers in his woolly bunnet, shorts, fisherman socks and smart court shoes.

After becoming interested in electronics and amateur radio, he added a TV repair side to the business, which kept him busy during the quieter winter months.

Sandy married Anne in 1983 two years after she had moved to the island with her sons David and Michael. Shortly thereafter she caught the eye of Sandy and they duly became an item. They welcomed son Alex in 1984.

A dedicated family man, Sandy was a proud grandfather of six.

He had many interests in life and was a member of several groups on the island throughout the years, taking part in everything from badminton to bowling, and was a valued member of the Cumbrae Historical Society.

But his biggest passion was curling and he often spoke fondly of the 1993 tour of Canada where he represented Scotland in the Strathcona Cup.

Sandy served as the local councillor and was very proud of the work he put into benefitting the communities he represented.

Latterly he also enjoyed building the Cumbrae Skiff and attending the Wee Museum in the Garrison House.

Son Alex said: "Dad was very fond of his family.

"Whether it be fishing or just a sail round the Wee Cumbrae together, those are the things I’ll remember."

A funeral service in memory of Sandy took place at the Cathedral of the Isles in Millport and thereafter to Millport Cemetery.

The service was conducted by Alastair Chisholm and Lay Chaplain Canon Alex Boyd.

A collection was held for Lady Margaret Hospital and a reception took place at the Newton Bar afterwards.