TRADE unionists have paid tribute to former International Brigader Bob Cooney 40 years after his death.

At a meeting to mark the anniversary, Aberdeen TUC heard from Bob Cooney’s nephew, Neil Cooney, on his life, struggles and lessons for today’s generation in fighting hate at home and abroad.

Bob Cooney cut his teeth fighting racism at home, being jailed for battling the British Union of Fascists on the streets of his home town, but on release immediately left the country to join comrades from across the world fighting Franco in Spain.