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.

Tommy Campbell, Aberdeen’s 15th International Brigade Commemoration Committee chairman, told the Star: “The story of Bob Cooney’s anti-fascist activities in Aberdeen and Spain are an inspiration to the new generation of anti-fascists.

“With the increasing far-right and fascist groups activities there are lessons to be learned today from Bob and the other International Brigaders on how to resist and defeat fascism.

“We commend everyone who turned out in Aberdeen recently for the protest by the new generation of anti-fascists to ensure that the fascists do not appear on our streets.”