Billy Barclay funeral to take place on Wednesday

THE FUNERAL of a Highland councillor who died after collapsing while calving a cow on his farm is to take place tomorrow on the Black Isle, the constituency he represented.

Barclay died on his farm, at the age of 62. Picture: TSPL

Billy Barclay, 62, fell ill at Boggiewell Farm in Fortrose last Wednesday. He was rushed to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, but sadly died.

A funeral service is to take place at Avoch Congregational Church at 1pm, and thereafter to Fortrose and Rosemarkie New Cemetery.

Donations are to be given at the service for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and Avoch Congregational Church.

A host of tributes were made following his death.

Highland Council leader Drew Hendry said: “Billy was hard working, well liked and respected by all those on the council and in his community where he worked tirelessly on issues which were important to the people who came to see him.

“He will be sorely missed, both by his colleagues and as a good friend to me and many. Our sincerest sympathies are extended to his family and close friends at this sad time.”

Depute leader David Alston, a fellow Black Isle Councillor, said his colleague had cared deeply about the area he lived in and would be remembered both for the great pride he took in farming its land and for his commitment to representing its people.

Convener Jimmy Gray said: “Billy’s intimate local knowledge made him an extremely popular and effective local councillor.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the care and attention Billy gave to Council business and of the courtesy and consideration he always showed to fellow councillors and Council staff.”

Mr Barclay was elected to Highland Council to serve Avoch and Fortrose in May 2003.

He was returned resoundingly to Ward 10 Black Isle in May 2007 and again in May 2012.

He served on the TECs Committee and took a great interest in roads and transport issues.

As a mark of respect, business at last Thursday’s scheduled full council meeting was restricted to urgent business.

Monday’s scheduled meeting of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee in Dingwall was also postponed.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer, sons Christopher, Mark and Stephen and daughter Paula.