A fishing industry giant who was royally recognised for his work protecting Scottish fleets has died, aged 84.
Tributes poured in yesterday for Willie Hay CBE, the honorary president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.
The grandfather-of-four died at his home in Portsoy on Wednesday.
Mr Hay was president of the federation between 1982 and 1993 – a particularly turbulent time for the industry which saw a controversial reformation of the Common Fisheries Policy.
In 1943, Mr Hay went to sea at the age of 15 on a fishing vessel in the Firth of Clyde that was involved in aiding the war effort, ferrying troops and sailors to their warships.
After the war, he worked as a deckhand on fishing vessels and in 1956 he bought his first boat, the Golden Eagle, which fished out of Buckie and Aberdeen.
He later replaced this with the Lode Star and then, in 1967, he had a new vessel built, the Illustrious.
In 1975, he ventured into industry politics when he was appointed chairman of a committee which co-ordinated a series of blockades at Scottish ports, demanding a unilateral 100-mile fishing limit for the UK.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the SFF, said last night: “Willie was a true gentleman who believed passionately in protecting the interests of Scottish fishermen.
“He will be sadly missed.”
Bob Allan, who was chief executive during the time Mr Hay was president, added: “He had a big personality and was the type of man who once met you could never forget.
“He was a very effective leader who was equally at ease in large meetings with fishermen or holding top-level discussions with government or European officials.”
Mr Allan said: “He was held in huge respect by fishermen and government ministers and the contribution he made to protecting the interests of the Scottish industry was quite simply immense.”
Mr Hay was made an MBE in 1983 and a CBE in 1986 in recognition of his services to the industry.
First Minister Alex Salmond also paid tribute last night. He said: “Willie Hay was an outstanding fishing industry leader. He taught me a huge amount about the realities of the fishing industry when I was a young MP for Banff and Buchan.”
Away from his industry work he was honorary president of the Highland Bowling Association and the Portsoy Bowling Club.
Mr Hay is survived by son James and daughter Yvonne. He will be laid to rest at Portsoy Cemetery on Monday after a service at the Church Of Scotland.
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