Jimmy Mutter, Councillor for 22 years in Gorbals till he stood down in May this year, was honoured at the Gorbal Fair last month.

The event was one he had revived after many years’ absence.

On behalf of community residents and activists, Brenda Sowney and Linda Muirhead presented him with a selection of gifts to say ‘thank you’ for all he has done for the community. ‘I was overcome,’ said Mr Mutter later. ‘I wasn’t expecting that and wish to thank everyone for the lovely decanter, whisky, flowers for my wife and the cheque.’

He chaired the Gorbals Fair organising committee which had no professional co-ordinator for the first time. The day started with a procession followed by the crowning of the Fair Prince and Princess.

There were stalls, entertainment and lots of opportunities to meet and mingle with the VIPs who included stars of the tv soap,  River City , politicians including the newly elected city councillors – James Scanlon, Anne Marie Millar, and Jahangir Hanif; local MSP Frank McAveety and Westminster MP Mohammad Sarwar.

At the crowning ceremony in St Francis Centre, Bailie James Scanlon praised Jimmy Mutter for his 22 years of ‘dedicated service to the community,’ and thanked him for his work. ‘We are proud of you and respect what you have achieved,’ he said.

MP Sarwar added his congratulations: ‘You have done a fantastic job in Gorbals and worked hard for the area. You’ve shown how to work as a team to improve the quality of life for everyone.’

Prince Kayvan Zaynalzadeh (10) and Princess Elle McLaren (9) were accompanied by attendants Dale Sproull (11) Lauren Reade (10). The children were from Blackfriars and St Francis schools.

River City stars Julie Duncanson who plays Shona and  Paul Samson  who plays Raymond her screen husband, patiently wrote many autographs for fans at the Fair.

One of the hits of the day was the musical entertainment in St Francis School. The GLO (Gorbals Lauriston & Oatlands) Dance Group went down a storm! Pictured here, are the dancers from Thriller 13 and the young disco dancers.

Others taking part included PATCH, Bridging the Gap, Way to Go Youth Café, Gorbals Heritage Trust and New Gorbals Housing Association.