TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of much-loved Saltcoats woman Evelyn Porter BEM.

Affectionately known by many as Mrs Porter, she passed away peacefully at home on September 10 aged 86.

She was a figure known to many within the local community, in particular through her dedicated service to the Girls' Brigade.

Evelyn first joined the Girls' Guildry in 1944, with the organisation based in a Nissan hit in Saltcoats.

A former Ardrossan Academy pupil, she became a captain in 1958 - aged 21 - a role she fulfilled to the highest standard before taking a brief break to start her family in 1963.

After the birth of Gordon and Jacqueline, she returned in 1969 to the same role which she dedicated much of her life to until she decided to retire in 2014.

In 2015, Evelyn was awarded one of the highest honours by receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her service to the Girls’ Brigade by Queen Elizabeth II.

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It followed 51 years as captain of the 4th Saltcoats Girls’ Brigade, and 68 years as a member of the company.

Since her passing, many messages have been received telling of the incredibly positive impact she had on the lives of so many lives.

She received her medal at a royal garden party with a further presentation held at her church - North Parish in Saltcoats - where she also dedicated much of her time.

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She was the first female elder at the kirk, and she loved donating and tending to the garden of the church where she worshipped.

Evelyn served her community well and took time to visit sick and elderly people from her parish both in care homes and at home.

It was also an honour for Evelyn when, in 2016, she asked to fulfil the role of chieftain at the Ardrossan Highland Games.

(Image: Archive)

Born in Saltcoats on October 14, 1937, Evelyn had a twin brother and three other siblings. She lost one of her brothers - who was a rear gunner in the RAF - in January 1944 when his plane was shot down in the Bay of Biscay.

She was a dear mother to both Gordon and Jacqueline and much loved Nana to Elisse.

The family are very grateful for everyone’s kind words of sympathy at this time and say it is very much appreciated - and she will be very dearly missed.

For those wishing to attend her funeral, this will be held at Kirkgate Parish Church in Saltcoats on October 9 at 1pm and thereafter to Ardrossan Cemetery.