Dad of Primal Scream star Bobby Gillespie dies as tributes paid to Scots trade union activist
dailyrecord.co.ukVeteran Scots trade union activist Bob Gillespie has died.Gillespie, father of Primal Scream frontman Bobby, was at the forefront of trade unionism for decades including a battle with press baron Robert Maxwell.But he famously lost the 1988 Govan by-election to the SNP in a defining moment for Scottish nationalism.It had been considered one of the safest Labour seats in the country but he finished second behind Jim Sillars.Following his crushing defeat he began to focus on other areas of his life away from politics.He went on to raise £1m for victims of Chernobyl but never stood for elected office again.His musician son Bobby, 61, credited his firebrand father with introducing him to rock'n'roll and socialism.Speaking in 2013, he said: "My dad was an activist, he was a trade unionist and he was a Marxist and he was always involved in that struggle and it took up his life."Dozens of tributes have now been paid to Gillespie, of Glasgow, following news of his passing.The Scottish Trade Unions Congress said: "We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Gillespie."Bob was a credit to our movement and will be remembered fondly by many."Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."Labour councillor Frank McAveety added: "Will always remember Bob Gillespie for his generosity of spirit and his profound understanding of solidarity and the positive role TU's play in our society."Will also miss his hilarious tales from his early days in Springburn Young Socialists."The Cathcart branch of Scottish Labour posted: "Bob Gillespie was a stalwart of our CLP, the national Labour Party & the entire trade union movement."Labour values were in his bones and his solidarity for workers everywhere was unflinching.
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