JOHN GILLESPIE was a humble man fiercely proud of his Fife roots. Over the years I knew John, his great skill was in finding solutions to difficult issues our union faced, but it was always done with a sense of purpose and humility.

John was wholly unpretentious, whether he was talking to someone in the street or to a senior politician or manager. John treated everyone with the same respect and dignity.

He brought a sense of calm irrespective of the occasion, other than when accompanied by his infamous mic and boom box. John seemed happiest with his mic at full strength, speaking at a picket line or rally, but there was so much more to John than that public persona.

Inside Unite, John was very much the go-to person for help in difficult situations, always ready with advice and an open mind. He was a unifier and believed fully that the union and its members should come first above any personal or political aspirations.

He was at heart a grassroots activist. It didn’t matter if it was an industrial issue or a community one; he was there fighting for the cause. Supporting foodbanks, demonstrating against bank closures or the harsh treatment of workers by their employers.

The energy and humour he brought to the negotiating table, picket lines or demonstration on behalf of working people was unique. There wasn’t a corner in the labour movement which he didn’t have a finger in.

You would think there was more than one John because, alongside a small group of similarly committed individuals, they were on the front line and in the fight all around Scotland. But of course, there was only one John Gillespie.

His passing has left a huge hole that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. People like John don’t come along too often.

John was always encouraging new Unite reps and activists to become more involved and to fight for what they believe in — and it’s that legacy that we will continue to build on in memory of John.

Unite has lost a true leader of our movement, but most of all, we have lost a dear, loyal and valued friend. John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Derek Thomson is Unite Scottish secretary.