A Bankie who served as an elected councillor for more than 20 years has died.

Ellen Morton, who was born in Whitecrook, died on October 3 aged 76. Her family said she had passed away “after an illness borne privately at home”.

She was first elected to Argyll and Bute Council for the Liberal Democrats in 1999, representing Helensburgh, where she lived with her husband Gordon.

Both Ellen and Gordon were raised in Clydebank – Ellen as the second of four daughters to Willie and Cissie McBride – though their family roots were in Donegal.

They married at St Stephen’s Church in Dalmuir in 1967, and honeymooned in Helensburgh before moving to the town in 1980.

Ellen studied English and history at university and went on to work as an teacher of English for more than 40 years.

While a councillor she held a variety of roles in Argyll and Bute, including education spokesperson, chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, and depute leader.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “Ellen Morton was a lady that you crossed at your peril. She was quick and bright and she was kind, caring and such a hard worker.

“She had firm beliefs and was a fierce defender of her constituents.

“She will be a tremendous loss to Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, the Liberal Democrats but most importantly her loving family.”