Tributes paid to Wishaw solicitor Lamont Baillie

Ttributes have been paid to a “one-off” Wishaw solicitor who has died after a bike accident near his home.

Lamont Baillie passed away after the incident near the village of Carmichael in South Lanarkshire.

Mr Baillie, who was born and brought up in Wishaw, joined the fledgling legal firm of Ness Gallagher in 1979, and was partner, managing partner and, at the time of his death, a consultant to the firm.

Ness Gallagher director, Graham Keys, said: “What interested Lamont most in his work were the people.

“He took a genuine interest in the welfare of his clients, getting to know them, forming relationships, and indeed friendships, which lasted for years and, in many instances, decades."

Mr Keys added: “It can be said without fear of contradiction that Lamont Baillie was a one-off. He looked at and thought about the world in his own way. He never took people at face value, always interested, always probing, to find out what made them tick.

“In his own way he was a rebel, choosing not to conform, always very happy to be himself, whatever the company. To say that Lamont will be missed is a huge understatement. He leaves a gap in so many lives but those of us who knew him well can reflect on what a privilege that was.”

Mr Baillie was the younger brother of the late John Baillie, a much-loved brother-in-law to Doreen and cherished uncle to Kenneth, Sarah and Andrew.

Sadly, due to current restrictions the funeral service will be private. A celebration of Mr Baillie's life will be held when the COVID-19 crisis has ended. As a supporter of the charity, donations in lieu of flowers to Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), would be very much appreciated by the family, which can be made via the online condolence page https://lamontbaillie.muchloved.com/