Real Lives: Councillor who was community stalwart had a fighting spirit

Boxing official, community stalwart and former West Lothian councillor, John Beattie, has died at the age of 78.

John Beattie was known throughout the East of Scotland as an amateur boxing judge and ring Master of Ceremonies, as well as being a former Labour councillor and hard-working community stalwart.

He was born in Shieldhill, near Falkirk, on August 26, 1930, to Jim and Margaret Beattie. The only son of a miner, he was brought up in Shieldhill with his four sisters.

On leaving school at the age of 14, he took up a job as apprentice grocer in his home town, but left when he turned 18 and was called up for national service.

Mr Beattie joined the Royal Air Force, returning to work at the grocer's shop two years later, before taking up a job at the circulation department of the Daily Express' Falkirk office. He later became manager of the newspaper's Glasgow operation, before taking up a position as a circulation manager for The Scotsman Publications, where he worked for 38 years. He married Moira on December 14, 1954, and while the couple never had children, they both played an important part in bringing up Mrs Beattie's five younger brothers when their mother died in 1958.

The couple moved to Broxburn and Mr Beattie was elected as Labour councillor for the Ecclesmachan ward of West Lothian County Council from 1973-75. Current West Lothian councillor for Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh, Graeme Morrice said: "John was a stalwart of the community and very much part of the Broxburn community fabric. It is a sad loss and our condolences go to his family and friends."

The couple later moved to Livingston, where Mr Beattie spent the rest of his days. As well as fighting battles in the political arena, Mr Beattie was keen to step into the boxing ring.

While he boxed a little himself, it was as a judge and referee that he was to find his greatest passion.

Mr Beattie was qualified to judge and referee bouts up to championship level, and for 30 years, he was associated with the Eastern Amateur Boxing Association as ring Master of Ceremonies.

He was involved with Broxburn, Carmelon Mariners, and Bannockburn boxing clubs, among others.

Mr Beattie was also a popular compere and hosted many events and ran competitions, raising thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

Leith Victoria Boxing Club official Dougie Fraser said: "We are deeply saddened by John's death. He was an outstanding ring Master of Ceremonies and hard-working club official who was universally popular with boxers and fans alike."

Mr Beattie suffered from a blood disorder, which meant he was cared for by his wife and received treatment at the renal unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for more than three years.

He died on Wednesday, November 12.