FORMER Kelty councillor, musician and footballer Jim Brennan died on Saturday at the age of 70. 

The father-of-two was born in the village and was its elected representative on Fife Council from 1995 to 2007. 

Mr Brennan had three passions in life – football, politics and music – and found a degree of fulfilment in all of them. 

As a councillor, he became chairman of community services and Alex Rowley, the Scottish Labour Party deputy leader, said: "That role was really made for him. 

"Jim was a rock 'n roller and knew a lot about music and culture. 

"He was in bands for many years, Monolug is the one I remember growing up, but he was then in Big Huge Massive and most recently, Big River. 

"He was also a really good footballer and played professionally. 

"So when it came to community services, which took in the arts, music, culture and sport, Jim just excelled in it."

Born in September 1946, Jim attended St Andrew's High School in Kirkcaldy before the family moved to Oldham for a few years. 
They returned to Kelty after his father died. 

A talented footballer, he played for Alloa Athletic, and went on to marry Margaret in St Margaret's RC Church in Dunfermline in 1968. 

They had two children, Claire and John, and his daughter followed in his political footsteps to become Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife. 

He served his apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker and it was there he came into contact with asbestos, the cause of his death. 

A lifelong member of the NUM, he worked at the Scottish Coal Board's workshops in Cowdenbeath. 

Elected to Fife Council in 1995 as councillor for Kelty, Kingseat and Steelend, Jim became the spokesperson for arts and leisure and believed in the power of culture, sport and community education to transform individuals and communities. 

He championed the Women’s Technology Centre in Dunfermline, was recognised by the Polish president for his work with Fife's Polish community and was always prepared to support unfashionable causes – such as victims of domestic abuse, people with drug addictions and travelling people.

A statement on behalf of the family said: "Jim Brennan will be remembered by many. For him, life was never about personal glory or the individual, it was always about the collective.

"He made a significant contribution to public life in Fife."

Mr Rowley, also a former Kelty councillor, said: "Jim was very well read in politics and for a lot of young people, myself included, he was a big influence because he was always happy to discuss and debate politics. 

"This was before he was a councillor and he made a big impression on many people with his wide knowledge of politics and his strong views on the type of society that we needed to achieve."

Former councillor and Labour colleague Alan Kenney said: "It's a sad loss. We go back to school days and playing football together. 

"He was a good guy and his concern for people's welfare was number one with Jim. 

"You could have a long conversation with him and he'd bring a different dimension to the table and get you thinking a different way. 

"We didn't always agree but he respected other people's opinions." 

Dunfermline councillor Helen Law said: "It's very sad news. Jim was elected to the council in 1995 at the same time as me and it was a time of great excitement with new councillors and new ideas. 

"He did a lot to help people and will be sadly missed."

His funeral is on Wednesday at 1.15pm at Dunfermline Crematorium.