Agenda item

The Lord Provost noted that this was the last Council meeting of the current Council term and paid tribute to Colin Taylor, Lord Dean of Guild, as this was his last Council meeting in his tenure as Lord Dean. The Lord Provost highlighted that the Lord Dean was an absolute stalwart to the city, and he had been a magnificent support to him during his term as Lord Provost.

The Lord Dean thanked the Lord Provost for his tribute and appreciated the opportunity to say a few words. He thanked Angela Scott, Jonathan Belford and Fraser Bell in particular, along with the Lord Provost, former Lord Provost George Adam and various members of staff, past and present, in the Council’s civic team. The Lord Dean added that he had received support from so many people and had made many friendships which he hoped would continue once he demitted office in 8 weeks’ time. He highlighted various achievements during his term of office and wished members well for the future.

Councillors Boulton, Houghton, Laing, Alex Nicoll and Yuill each paid their own tributes to the Lord Dean and thanked him for his excellent service.

At this juncture, Councillor Laing noted that she was stepping down at the next election after 15 years as a Councillor and 8 years as Council Leader, and thanked members for the various comments during the meeting. Councillor Laing underlined that it had been the most rewarding experience of her life and she was very thankful for the opportunity that she had been given. She thanked Angela Scott, the current Council Directors and Jonathan Belford and Fraser Bell in particular but paid tribute to Council officers from across the organisation for their efforts.

Councillor Laing summarised various highs and lows during her time as Council Leader and noted the various political opponents she had faced, as well as the political partners she had worked with. She paid tribute to Councillor Lumsden MSP who she had worked alongside as Co-Leader for four years and thanked him for his support and friendship. She also thanked Councillors Cormie and Mason as her fellow ward members as they had worked very well together in the ward; and Councillors Allan, Lesley Dunbar and Duncan within her own group who were not seeking re-election and thanked them for their service.

Councillor Laing concluded that she would miss the people and the comradeship and working with young people in particular, which had been one of the most rewarding experiences of the role. She underlined that she was proud of the Administration’s record this past 10 years and wished all members well for the future.

The Lord Provost thanked all members for their support; however he had no intention of giving up. He stated that he had enjoyed every second of being Lord Provost and remembered who had elected him and put him in office, and there were too many people to thank, however he was very grateful to them all. The Lord Provost wished all members seeking re-election good luck and thanked those members who were stepping down for their service. He underlined that the democratic process was hugely appreciated, particularly at this difficult time in Europe, and reiterated his thanks to officers for their role in that, as well as across the organisation.

- BARNEY CROCKETT, Lord Provost.