Tributes paid to ex-councillor Jim Sibbald
Tributes have been paid to a popular former West Lothian councillor who died at the weekend.
Jim Sibbald, the ex- SNP representative for Armadale, passed away, aged 71, on Saturday after a long battle with illness.
He was first elected to the West Lothian District Council in the 1970s before gaining re- election seven times.
At one point, in 1995, he was serving on the West Lothian District Council, West Lothian Council and Lothian Regional Council.
A popular and well known face in Armadale, Jim also owned the Highlander Hotel.
But his proudest moments came during his involvement with the Armadale Gala Day, where he was the president in three different spells between 1979 and 2007.
It was in that time that he helped ensure the event not only survived but thrived.
Sadly he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which curtailed his involvement in the last few years but he was given the position as Honorary President in 2008.
His son Callum said: “He always took everything in his stride and despite his illness he never got down.
“He was a dearly loved father, papa, great-grandad, brother and uncle as well as a friend to many.
“Our thanks go to his carers at the Bathgate Medical Practice who looked after him and the local community for their messages of support.”
Current SNP group leader at the council, Peter Johnston, said: “I recall Jim performing the official opening of Armadale Swimming pool in 1995.
“I introduced Jim and then watched, bemused as whilst he was speaking, he began to undress.
“His tie and shirt were quickly followed by shoes, socks and trousers to reveal sparkling saltire boxer shorts, and as he said ‘I declare this pool open’ he dived head first into the water.
“He made some splash I can tell you and official openings have never been quite the same for me.”
Linlithgow’s SNP MP, Martyn Day, said: “He will be deeply missed by the people of Armadale and District, and the many SNP colleagues who worked so closely with him over the years.
“My condolences to his family for the loss of a great family man and an upstanding member of the community.”
Another close friend was current Independent councillor for Armadale Stuart Borrowman.
He said: “I’ve known Jim for over 35 years and been privileged to have worked for him.
“I was asked by Jim if I’d ‘help out’ with Armadale Gala and I joined the committee. How could anyone refuse Jim after all he’d done for the gala?
“It was a great pity that illness meant Jim became restricted in what he could do in recent years but that didn’t diminish the affection and respect in which he was held, in Armadale and much further afield. “We will all miss him.” John McGinty, the leader of West Lothian Council, added: “On behalf of West Lothian Council I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Jim’s family at this very sad time.
“Jim was very well-known and will be much- missed across the local community, particularly Armadale.”
A service of thanksgiving will be held in West Lothian Crematorium on Wednesday, July 13 at 4pm to which all friends are invited.
Jim’s relatives have asked that there be family flowers only and a collection will be offered for Parkinson’s Disease research.