Long-serving Dunfermline provost Les Wood dies aged 88

Les took on the prestigious role in the early 1970s and carried out the role for over 10 years.

Born in Townhill, the talented jazz musician was the son of a miner and a tea lady and the youngest of five children.

"His first love was music," explained son David. "His elder brother sent money back when he was in the army to get music lessons.

"He was classically trained when he was at school. When he left school he failed his 11 plus and he went into an apprenticeship.

Les Wood with wife Sheena. (Image: Contributed)

"His mum didn't want him to go down the pit and so he became a joiner. He worked on the Forth Road Bridge and was very proud of that.

"That opened in 1964 – a lot of things happened in 1964. It was the very first year he was voted in as a councillor for Dunfermline. That was May 4, 1964 . My mum was in hospital having me and he was getting voted in."

After becoming a Labour councillor at the age of 20, Les later became council leader and provost of Dunfermline.

"In about 1972, he became Provost and was the longest serving provost. He was the last Lord Provost and the first city provost.

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"It was the days when you didn't get paid for it. He would have to take his dungarees off from his day job to go to a meeting."

After giving up the council, Les became landlord of the Phoenix Hotel in Oakley before moving back to his native Townhill.

He dipped his toe back into the world of politics in the late 1980s/early 1990s when he stood as an independent councillor.

Les Wood performing at the Dunfermline Children's Gala. (Image: Contributed)

David explained: "Dunfermline hospital was going to get shut. It was the council elections and people were against it getting shut.

"People doing the demonstrations came and asked my dad if he would stand as a figurehead for the election. He was well past retirement age.

"He won and he was a councillor again. He got voted in and then they changed the council structure and he managed to step away from it."

As well as being a talented musician, Les wrote short stories, poetry and was an adept artist.

After marrying Sheena 69 years ago, the couple went on to have three children, Ian, Sandra, who died four years ago, and David, as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

"They were all there in the end," said David. "He had pushed them all with their music and they all play instruments. He was a brilliant grandad."

Jazz musician Les Wood with his band. (Image: Contributed)

Since his dad's death, David has been going through an array of articles which his dad featured in while fulfilling his provost role.

"There's one of him holding Barbara Windsor when she came to Dunfermline to open MFI – my dad was everywhere. You would open a fag packet and he would be there.

"He was a talented man. He had a fantastic life and so many friends. He was a people person."

Former Fife councillor Bob Young said: "I had known Les for years. He was one of life's nice guys.

"In political terms, we were kicking for the same side so we got on really well. I don't know anybody who had a bad word to say about him."

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Current Fife Provost, Jim Leishman, added: "It is sad news. Les was a very talented man. He was provost of Dunfermline for a long time. He was a character.

"You got him the same way every time you would speak to Les. Even when he was finished with politics and, as the provost, you would see him and he was always asking how I was getting on.

"He definitely made a mark for Dunfermline."

Posting on Facebook, Townhill Community Council also paid tribute.

"Les was the Provost of Dunfermline for many years and one of the most genuine, kind and caring people you could meet with a great sense of humour," they stated.

"Les did so much for Dunfermline over the years and helped so many people, he will be very much missed."

Les' family are hoping to track down some of his musician friends - especially a clarinettist - to play at his funeral service which will take place at Dunfermline Crematorium next Thursday, February 15 at 10.45am.

Anyone who is able to help is asked to contact David on 07887 894178.