Tributes have been paid to former Eastwood Provost Ian Hutchison after he died at the age of 89.

Best known for his roles as the area’s civic leader and chair of the Eastwood Planning Committee, Mr Hutchison was described as “a remarkable man” by current East Renfrewshire Provost Jim Fletcher.

And a minute’s silence was held in honour of the former Conservative councillor before the full meeting of East Renfrewshire Council on Friday.

Opening the meeting, Provost Fletcher said: “I’ve known Ian since I was first elected in 1988. He was a man who I greatly respected as a councillor.

“When I first joined the council, I enjoyed debating with him.

“He was a real councillor and he was easily elected most of his life.

“In his early days, when he chaired the planning committee, he was never afraid to take a difficult decision if it was right for the council.

“He always did what he thought was right and what was right for the local area. He was quite a remarkable man.”

Tributes also poured in online from friends and former colleagues.

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw released a statement paying tribute to Mr Hutchison.

He said: “It is with great sadness that I heard of the death of former Eastwood Provost and Conservative councillor Ian Hutchison.

“Ian was a long-serving and thoroughly professional public servant in days when councillors gave of their time without any financial salary.

“He led the Eastwood Planning Committee for many years and also served as councillor when the new East Renfrewshire authority was created.

“He had a real ability to cut to the heart of an issue and an engaging and waspish sense of humour.

“I offer my condolences and best wishes to all his family and friends.”

Mr Hutchison passed away on the weekend of February 24 and 25, with his funeral taking place yesterday at Mearns Kirk, in Newton Mearns.