TRIBUTES have been paid to East Lothian Council leader Willie Innes, who died yesterday (Sunday), following a long illness.

Mr Innes was one of the longest-serving councillors having first served on the then district council before the move to the unitary authority on April 1, 1996.

Representing the Preston Seton Gosford ward, where he lived, he was appointed leader of the East Lothian Labour Group in 2007 and council leader five years later.

Flags will fly at half-mast on Haddington Town House and Brunton Hall, in Musselburgh, to mark his passing.

A one-minute silence will be held at the scheduled meeting of East Lothian Council tomorrow (Tuesday), along with tributes from members of all parties and chief executive Monica Patterson.

Mr Innes, who was born in Zambia, is survived by wife Janis and three children, Gillian, Craig and Nathan, as well as two granddaughters, Hanna and Isla.

Ms Patterson said: “We are all saddened to learn of the death of East Lothian Council leader Councillor Willie Innes.

“Councillor Innes was one of East Lothian’s longest-serving councillors, having served the county since 1988, first with East Lothian District Council and then with East Lothian Council following its inception.

“He held a number of offices within the council, culminating in his position as council Leader.

“Throughout his career, Councillor Innes was dedicated to public service.

"He was a well-known figure in our political landscape and was widely respected for his commitment to East Lothian.

“As leader, he provided wise counsel to officers and support for many individuals, organisations and businesses across the county.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, their children and his friends and family.”

Councillor Norman Hampshire, depute council leader, also paid tribute to his colleague, who was 70.

He said: “I have worked alongside Councillor Innes for many years as a colleague and a friend and will miss him greatly.

“He was dedicated to his role as a public servant and always worked to do his best for the people he represented.

“Throughout his decades of service, he represented the council and the county at every opportunity and made sure that our most vulnerable residents were at the heart of decision-making.

“His loss will be felt across East Lothian but not more so than by his family and those who were closest to him.”

Councillor Lachlan Bruce, East Lothian Council Conservative Group leader, described Mr Innes' death as “a sad day for East Lothian”.

He said: “Sharing a ward with Councillor Innes, I saw first-hand what a big part of Prestonpans he was.

“It was evident how much he meant to the community, and how much the community meant to him.

“He was a significant figure in East Lothian’s landscape and will be much-missed by all who knew him.”

Councillor Stuart Currie, East Lothian Council SNP Group leader,  said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Councillor Innes.

“Willie was hugely respected by politicians from all parties, including myself, and was rightly highly regarded by his constituents and community as a tenacious advocate for those he served for so many years.

“I want to send my deepest condolences, and those of the SNP Group, to his family and many friends, as well as to the Labour Group and party colleagues at both local and national level.”

An email address where members of the public can share their condolences has also been set-up and is available to view at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/innes