FORMER Prime Minister Gordon Brown has led the tributes to Bill Taylor MBE, the man who helped turn Lochore Meadows Country Park into what it is today, who died recently.

He passed away at Adamson Hospital in Cupar and the funeral was held last Friday at Dairsie Cemetery.

Over four decades as an economic planner, from 1979 until he retired in 2001 for Fife Regional Council and then Fife Council, Bill played a key role in the redevelopment of the Kingdom.

His department took the lead in land reclamation, such as the prize winning Lochore Meadows project, and he championed the attraction of new jobs in electronics, IT and in financial services – which replaced many of the jobs lost in traditional industries.

Mr Brown, the former MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, said: “No one I met during all the time I was an MP knew more about the Fife economy than Bill Taylor and no one was more willing to give of his time voluntarily to help others in the pursuit of the best outcomes for Fife.

“I marvelled at his local knowledge which he always put to good use, not only at work but in retirement as well, right up until this year.

"He was a constant source of wise advice over 40 years, during which many councillors, MPs, and others as well as me relied in his good judgment.

"Fife owes Bill and his family a huge debt of gratitude."

Bill was a key driver of the redevelopment of Rosyth as a port and was awarded the MBE for the services he gave Fife and Scotland.

He was also given a special presentation for services to Fife made by Provost Jim Leishman in 2013.

Fife MSP and former leader of Fife Council, Alex Rowley, added: “Bill Taylor was a great servant to all the communities of Fife.

"He worked behind the scenes without seeking any publicity for himself, making a huge difference to the job prospects of thousands through the decisions he made and recommended, and the work he did."

Bill is survived by his wife Margaret, his son Gordon, his daughter Sarah and their families.