Tributes to Bob Taylor, ‘titan of local politics’

Tributes have been paid to former Glenrothes stalwart Robert “Bob” Taylor following his death aged 75. Described as a “titan of local politics”, Bob taught industrial relations at Glenrothes College before being elected as a Labour councillor, representing West Glenrothes and Kinglassie, in 1984.

During his time as a local politician, serving until 2002, he had a stint as the council’s representative on the board of the Glenrothes Development Corporation (GDC), the body set up to oversee the ongoing expansion of the new town.

Following his criticism of then-labour leader and first minister Henry Mcleish, Bob parted company with the Scottish Labour Party.

He unsuccessfully stood as an Independent candidate in three successive council elections, in 2003, 2007 and 2012. Despite not being elected, his popularity ensured he regularly polled more votes than many of the other mainstream party candidates.

Undeterred, he later became a board member on both the West Glenrothes Tenants and Residents Association and the Glenrothes Area Residents Federation.

His towering figure was also a regular feature at many a public meeting and he was a committed campaigner on many local issues affecting Glenrothes over the years, notably the fight to save Glenwood Library and Glenrothes Hospital’s out of hours service from closure.

He remained socially and politically engaged throughout his life and was an avid letter writer, regularly contributing to the letters page of The Courier and other titles both locally and nationally.

Away from politics, Bob enjoyed travel, visiting many countries.

And football was also never far from Bob’s thoughts.

A loyal supporter of Cowdenbeath FC, he attended many of their matches, at Central Park and further afield.

He also visited other Fife teams such as Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic, such was his love for the game.

Unmarried, Bob is survived by three brothers and sisters as well as three nephews.

Linda Ballingall, chairwoman of Glenrothes Heritage Centre and town activist, paid tribute to her former GDC colleague, following his death on November 10, describing him as a “titan of local politics”.

She added: “The best interests of Glenrothes and its people were always at the heart of everything Bob did.

“There was no bigger champion of the town and those who lived there.

“He will be greatly missed by many.”

GARF chairman Ian Robertson also paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

He said: “There was no more a committed activist when it came to local issues than Bob Taylor.

“If there had been an injustice within the town or residents wronged then he would be there to fight the corner.

“He was particularly good at speaking publicly and his experience of local issues was invaluable for the federation which he served as vice-chairman for three years.

“He will be fondly remembered by many and his passing is a huge loss for Glenrothes.”

His funeral will take place at Kirkcaldy Crematorium at 11.45am on December 1.

“HUGE LOSS”: Robert “Bob” Taylor has died aged 75.