CLYDE shipyard and trade union legend Sammy Barr has died at the age of 80.

The former welder was one of the principal shop stewards of the historic Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) work-in.

He died yesterday at the Beatson Oncology Centre from pneumonia after a short battle with lung cancer.

Mr Barr, who lived in Partick with his wife Janet, 80, was at the centre of the UCS work-in along with Jimmy Reid, Jimmy Airlie and Sammy Gilmore.

They led 8500 workers in the protest about under-investment in the yards, by encouraging them to work on instead of going on strike.

Last night, tributes poured in for Mr Barr, who was described as an "outstanding trade unionist".

Mr Barr was still active in his role as president of the retired members' association for GMB right up until his death.

Richard Leonard, political officer for the GMB Union in Scotland, said: "He was one of the outstanding trade unionists of his generation. His passing marks the end of an era.

"He leaves behind a legacy of great memories."

His grandson Lee Carson, 28, described him as a private man who "believed in the rights of working people".

He said: "He was very principled.

"He was always campaigning for various different things. A few years ago he helped to save a park that was going to get closed down in Partick.

"He was a member of the Labour Party up until he died. He was old Labour."

Mr Barr is survived by his wife Janet, his children June, Brenda, Paul and Gary, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk