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

Heartfelt tributes have been offered to Bill Munro, the founder of Barrhead Travel, following his passing at the age of 80.

The business owner passed away on Saturday at his residence in Lanarkshire, where he had been unwell since the summer.

Mr. Munro established his business in East Renfrewshire in 1975 after noticing a need for an agency that operated during evenings and weekends.

The company grew to employ hundreds of staff and opened numerous stores across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.

Mr. Munro was praised for making a "transformative difference" in the travel industry.

A representative from Barrhead Travel stated: "His daring vision transformed the environment for traditional travel agencies nationwide."

He played a significant role in the travel industry and established himself as a key player in Scotland’s business scene.

A representative from the Scottish Passenger Agents' Association expressed, "Bill's peers in the Scottish travel sector are deeply grieving the news of his passing."

Bill made a significant and transformative contribution to the travel industry, and his influence is still noticeable in Scotland's travel sector today. Everyone who knew him will feel his absence deeply.

In 2007, his daughter Sharon took over leadership of the company, but he continued to be involved and influential within the agency.

In 2014, he stirred up debate when he wrote a letter to employees opposing Scottish independence. He later clarified that this view was his personal stance and did not reflect the company's position.

In 2018, an American company called Travel Leaders Group purchased Barrhead, and Mr. Munro stepped into a consulting position within the organization.

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