James Irvine (ii)
| Born | 28 March 1937, Sand |
|---|---|
| Died | 4 September 2021 |
| Elections | 10 (9 won) |
| Bayanne | Genealogy page |
James Christopher 'Slim Jim' Irvine was a former Shetland Islands Councillor known for his lengthy term of service in public office. He was first elected to the Council in 1974 for Bressay until 1994, then he rejoined the council in 1995 when Jonathan Wills resigned. In 1999 Nesting, Whiteness, Girlsta and Gott from 1999 until he retired in 2007, having served in public office for 35 years. At the 1994 election, he contested the Lerwick Harbour and Bressay seat against a young Tavish Scott, who was successfully elected.
Biography
Jim attended Lerwick Central School around the age of 12 in 1949. He looked forward to entering the world of work more than he did to school, and in May 1952 skipped an exam and successfully applied and interviewed for a job with the Post Office. He worked as a message boy for some years in Lerwick, delivering messages to business all over the town. By the mid 50s he trained to be a postie. He could not do national service due to suffering from scoliosis, but joined the Territorial Army. His step father, who was a socialist and trade unionist, inspired Jim into politics, and he eventually became treasurer and assistant secretary to the workers union there.
Jim was originally persuaded to join the Labour Party by Alex Morrison, but later left the party. He aligned himself with the Shetland Movement and giving up his Labour membership around 1982. He moved on from the Post Office to become secretary of the Shetland Council of Social Service. He later helped found ZetTrans and became its first chair.
