Tributes have been paid to a Fairlie great-grandfather, known as Doctor George, who passed away recently.

At a well-attended service at the Largs and Clyde Coast Crematorium, George Hill (83) was laid to rest "after a long life, well lived".

The Burns song, "A Man's A Man" was played as George's wife, Jan, sons Brian and Alan - local councillor and solicitor - eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren honoured the man they loved.

In his last days, he expressed part of his philosophy when he told family: "If you don't have kindness, you have nothing at all."

Originally a Govan man and pupil of Govan High School, in the 1950s he worked as a telephone engineer with the Post Office and telecom engineer with Scottish Power but was to continue educating himself to a Doctorate Degree as a busy family man.

Having met wife Jan at the famous Locarno night spot in Glasgow they married in 1962, celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary last year. As well as their two sons, they had a daughter Pamela, who tragically predeceased them a few years ago.

The congregation heard that George had a passion for learning, with his 'homework club' becoming legendary in the family. He would have made an ideal school teacher.

Since his retiral from Hunterston Power Station, he was a familiar figure at Fairlie Primary School picking up his grandchildren, armed with jam sandwiches. He was also known for handing out 'lucky dip' bags of sweets within the family.

Despite a full-time career he earned himself an Open University degree, graduating with a BA Honours, then graduated from Strathclyde University, MLit and becoming a Doctor with a PhD.

George and Jan had a Vespa scooter, before touring all over Scotland in a VW campervan. Boyhood holidays in Millport prompted him to organise regular family trips to the island. Indeed, as a keen cyclist he travelled around the Highlands and Islands, many with son Alan, who is also a resident of Fairlie.

He once stood in local elections as an SNP candidate using a loudspeaker around the streets proclaiming "Vote for Doctor George".

The family thanked North Ayrshire mCare At Home staff, district nurses and Ayrshire Hospice, for which a collection was taken.