Robert Logan

We first met when he was elected for the Kelvinside ward, later Hyndland, as a Glasgow district councillor.

Some 10 days later I became leader of the council, and when I asked Rob if he would serve in the new Conservative administration, he agreed, with one qualification - that he wished to be chairman of the then Civic Amenities Committee.

I agreed, and all of us soon found out he was the perfect person for the post. His knowledge of the arts, museums, and libraries was unrivalled. During his three-year term he did a

great deal, for example, to help establish the Burrell Collection

in Glasgow.

In addition, he was a very diligent councillor. Many times he paid personal visits to see local problems for himself. So great was his dedication to his ward electors that he declined to become a bailie or a JP.

Rob was a son of the manse. His father was a minister, as indeed were other family members, including his brother.

He was born in Leith and educated at Dundee High School and Edinburgh University, where he graduated with an MA (Hons). Following university, he was employed with BBC Scotland for two decades, becoming one of their best-known voices.

Latterly, he was with Scottish Television, where he was the company's compliance officer, ensuring that programmes, promotions, and advertisements were made within the guidelines laid down by the Independent Television Commission.

Although he did not enter the ministry, for many years he served as an elder in local churches and at Glasgow Cathedral, where he had been made session clerk.

Architecture and Glasgow-west conservation were among his interests, and his posts included chairman of GAGMA, the Glasgow Art Galleries and Museums Association, and chairman of BAFM, the British Association of Friends of Museums.

His great interest in music was reflected in his heavy involvement in Westbourne Music, set up for the promotion of chamber music in Glasgow. He obtained an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Strathclyde in 1994, which he put to practical use in his work for various organisations.

Sadly, his wife, Wynne, died five years ago from cancer. Their son, Bruce, attended Cambridge University and, after a spell in America, now works in the City of London.

Hillwalking was one of Rob's hobbies, and indeed several years ago he and Bruce walked the length of Hadrian's Wall. The family also had a cottage at Elie in Fife.

At times Rob could appear insular, but he was a helpful, civilised, highly-intelligent and well-read man. He also had a sense of humour. Like others, including people across the political spectrum, I find it difficult to believe I will no longer see that tall figure striding along.

John Mackechnie, director of Glasgow Print Studio, writes: The death of Rob Logan has stunned us all at the print studio, where Rob was a member of the board of management for 10 years and chairman over the past year.

He touched the lives of so many people in the arts, which he supported selflessly through his voluntary involvement with many organisations, a number of which he chaired, several at the same time.

That he was first proposed as a board member of the print studio by the then leader of Glasgow District Council, Jean McFadden, speaks volumes for the high regard in which he was held, regardless of political persuasion.

With his active involvement, the print studio has gone from strength to strength and under his guidance over the past year managed to turn round a considerable deficit, despite cuts in public funding.

I will remember him as a man who gradually became a good friend, whose gentle good humour, natural charm, support, and generosity enriched my life and that of many others.

Elizabeth MacKenzie, vice-chairman of BAFM, writes: Robert Logan had a passion for museums, both at local and national level.

He was elected chairman of BAFM in November, 1994, having served on the council as regional representative for Scotland for a number of years.

Robert's enthusiasm and commitment to raising the profile of both Friends and volunteers in the world of museums was evident to all who were associated with him.

Most recently he was particularly proud of the substantial grant received from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust to investigate heritage volunteer training. It is of great sadness that he will not be with us to share the benefits of this major study.