Effie McGachie, a member of the group for 38 years, was described as “truly inspiring” and an “amazing woman”.
10:48, 30 Sep 2025Updated 10:48, 30 Sep 2025
Effie McGachie, former chair of Renfrew Community Council, passed away at the age of 95
Tributes have poured in for a “remarkable” and “extremely kind” former chair of Renfrew Community Council following her passing at the age of 95 on Thursday.
Effie McGachie, who was a member of the group for 38 years, with 33 at its helm, was described as “truly inspiring” and an “amazing woman”.
A force of nature, Effie was a key figure in the decades-long campaign to see the Renfrew burgh flag unfurled at the town hall – a story that was finally fulfilled in the summer.
Councillor John Shaw, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, recalled her “utter determination” to do the best for her town.
He said: “My first memories of Effie go back to my days at Newmains Primary in the 70s, where she was the extremely kind auxiliary nurse, always on hand to patch up my oft-skint knees.
“This also led to my lifelong aversion to calling her ‘Effie’ – she was, for the most part, always Mrs McGachie to me.
“Years later, I had the privilege of seeing her in action again when I joined Renfrew Community Council in 2011 and for the next five years, I had a front row seat to her utter determination to do the very best for our town.
“Her drive and commitment were a sight to behold and her dedication to Renfrew was truly inspiring.”
Originally from North Wales, Effie moved to Renfrew at the age of 17 and would become a pillar of the community. She spent time as a careers adviser and with the Over-50s swimming club.
The mother-of-two received a number of awards for her work for other people, including Renfrew Citizen of the Year in 1996.
She was guest of honour as the burgh flag was raised in Hairst Street in July, having chaired the community council when it petitioned the Lord Lyon to matriculate the coat of arms in 1987.
Councillor Shaw added: “It was very special that she saw the campaign concluded successfully just a few weeks ago, in what her daughter Jill tells me was her final public outing.
“The event we had that day was entirely down to Effie, who had given me into trouble for not having tea and cakes organised when I phoned her with the good news after the meeting that confirmed the flag could be flown.
“I then spoke to the provost and from that the celebration was organised, with Effie as guest of honour, picked up in the provost’s car and rightly recognised for her role.”
Councillor Lisa Marie-Hughes, also an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, remembered Effie’s “inimitable spirit” and unfailing kindness.
She said: “She had such a zest for life and a deep passion for our town, and few could match her record of public service.”
Many members of the public also recognised Effie’s contribution over the years, with Evelyn MacAskill saying: “I was privileged to work with her at Newmains Primary. If there was any fun going on at the school you could be sure she was at the centre of it.”
Carole Paton added: “She was an absolutely amazing woman who really understood ‘community’.”
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