Tributes to Barrhead Travel founder Bill Munro who has died at 80

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association said: “Bill’s colleagues in the Scottish travel industry are all saddened by the news of his death.

“Bill had an invaluable and transformational impact on the travel industry and his legacy is evident in the Scottish travel sector today. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.”

His daughter Sharon succeeded him at the helm of the company in 2007, but he remained a presence with the agency.

He attracted controversy in 2014 when he sent a letter to staff arguing against Scottish independence, which he later stressed was his individual opinion and not that of the company.

In 2018 Barrhead was acquired by the American firm Travel Leaders Group and Mr Munro took on an advisory role within the group.

However, the post ended acrimoniously later that year when he was sacked, later winning an unfair dismissal pay-out.

He is survived by wife Susan, daughters Sharon and Wendy, and grandchildren Ross and Hannah.