Harry Constable
3rd June 1942
–
24th September 2009
The Bo’ness Branch of the Scottish National Party pay tribute to Cllr Harry Constable who died at Falkirk Royal and District Infirmary on 24 September 2009 after suffering a stroke.
He had served in local government for 43 years, most recently representing the Bo’ness and Blackness ward of Falkirk Council for the SNP.
Harry was a stalwart of the independence movement, and worked tirelessly towards the cause of Scotland’s freedom his whole life. He was passionate about his town and fought for Bo’ness at every opportunity.
SNP leader Alex Salmond led the tributes saying he had been a “dedicated and “committed” politician.
Mr Constable, who had also suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, first became a councillor for West Lothian County Council in 1966.
He served there until regionalisation in the mid 1970’s when Bo’ness was switched to Central Regional Council.
Mr Salmond said: “Harry was held in high regard by his many friends in the party over a long number of years, and I know from personal experience how dedicated and committed he was to all the tasks that he undertook.
“Harry’s commitment to the national movement and to the people of Bo’ness and Blackness never wavered during his incredible 43 years in local government.“
The party’s leader at Falkirk Council, David Alexander said Mr Constable was one of the most principled politicians he had known.
He added: “Even as his health faded recently his desire to get back to doing what he has done for the past 43 years, representing those in need, burned as strongly in him as ever.
“He was selfless, always putting others before his own welfare and will be missed by all who know him or relied on him.“
Mr Constable is replaced as Falkirk Council’s longest serving member by his brother, John, who has 38 years service in local government.
His funeral is due to be held at St Andrews Church in Grange Terrace in Bo’ness on Wednesday 30 September at 1330 BST.
A committal service is also to be held at Bo’ness Cemetery at 1430 BST.
Harry was one of the most principled people I have ever had the pleasure, and sometimes frustration, of working with.
He was always ready to give good advice and guidance and even his criticisms were always constructive.
A man of deep personal strength who was utterly incapable of not fighting for “my folk”.
I do not know who is currently in the chair of the Heaven Branch of the SNP, but their job has just become a bit more interesting.
Scotland is a better place for having had Harry in it.
from Stephen Bird, on
2nd October 2009
Cllr Harry Constable made some of the best nationalist speeches I have ever heard in the Chamber of Falkirk Council. He flung the Labour Party’s unionism in their faces and they had no answer for him. Harry fought tirelessly for his constituents in Bo’ness and they loved him for it. He will be very greatly missed, and I hope it will be of some comfort to John to know how many people held Harry in real affection and respect, and will never forget him.
from Ruth Marr, on
1st October 2009
Harry lived for two things, Independence and the people of Bo’ness. He was one of the most committed and hard working councillors I ever met and it was my pleasure to have him as a colleague for the last 22 years. Harry along with his brother John have written themselves into the history of both the movement and the town of Bo’ness and we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to both of them.
from David Alexander, on
30th September 2009
It is with a great deal of sorrow that I pay tribute to a great nationalist who worked tirelessly for the cause of independence and served his electorate in exemplary fashion for 43 years.
When I first appeared on the scene at the old Falkirk District Council in 1992 I was young, naive and inexperienced. Harry immediately took me under his wing and acted as my mentor. I valued his experience, knowledge and wisdom, and when seeking advice I never went way empty handed.
Harry was always a permanent fixture in the SNP Group Room at the Council and was always available to advise when he wasn’t up in Stirling on Central Regional Council business, as at that time he served on both the district and regional authorities.
Anyone who shared an office with him knows he had an encylopaedic knowledge of most things, and an opinion on everything!
His greatest attribute though was the passion he had for his home town and woe betide anyone who knocked or attempted to do down Bo’ness or Blackness. His loyalty and sense of duty to his electorate was rewarded many times over. On many occasions he secured 100% of the vote in Blackness, a figure most politicians can only dream of! His determination to get the best for the people of Bo’ness and Blackness set the standard for the rest of us to follow and aspire to.
The people of Bo’ness and Blackness were lucky to have such a devoted champion of their town, and he will be sorely missed by us all. We should also remember that Harry was one of the great Nationalist stalwarts in the 60’s and 70’s upon whose shoulders the present Scottish Government stands.
Personally I will miss a good friend, confidante and fellow nationalist. Scotland has lost one of its most devoted citizens and we will be all the poorer for his passing.
from Angus MacDonald, on
30th September 2009