Harry Cairney steps down after 46 years as Labour '˜cornerstone'
After 46 years on the management committee, Harry has been hailed as a “cornerstone” of the club and its work in the local community.
In his final speech to members before retiring, the 64-year-old spoke of “the privilege and the pleasure” of leading the club since 1983.
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Hide AdAddressing the annual general meeting last Sunday, he said: “Prestonpans Labour Club has been at the heart of the Prestonpans community and East Lothian Labour Party for over 50 years and the club played a big part in Iain Gray’s recent Holyrood election victory.
“When I joined the Labour Club’s management committee in 1970, Harold Wilson was prime minister and over the last 46 years I have enjoyed a pint in the club with every Labour leader and Labour’s three First Minsters in Holyrood.”
Brian Weddell, chairman of Prestonpans Labour Party, presented a gift from branch members and thanked Harry for his outstanding service to the Labour Party in East Lothian.
“Harry has been a fantastic ambassador for Prestonpans Labour Club and is hugely respected by Labour Party members throughout Scotland and the UK,” he said.
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Hide AdEast Lothian MSP and former Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray also paid tribute to Mr Cairney, adding: “Harry is quite simply a legend in the Labour Club world, the Co-operative movement and the Labour Party.
“He has been a great source of support, advice and wisdom to me over the years, and I know he will be for years to come.
“The Labour club is an important part of the Prestonpans community, and Harry has been its cornerstone for decades.
“ As always, its support for me and my recent election campaign was critical to our success.
“I simply cannot thank Harry or the Labour club enough.”
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Hide AdHarry also has a long association with Scotmid (Scottish Midland Co-Operative Society Limited), serving as vice-president from 2009 to 2013 and as president since 2014.
Originally a board member of Prestonpans Co-operative, he was elected on to Scotmid’s East Area Board in 1995, following the merger of the two societies.
He has held various posts on East Lothian Constituency Labour Party and is a former chairman.