Islay councillor ‘honoured’ to lead Argyll and Bute Council
Councillor Robin Currie has been appointed as the new leader of Argyll and Bute Council.
The Kintyre and the Islands member, also policy lead for housing, roads and infrastructure services, was voted in at a virtual meeting of Argyll and Bute Council on September 24.
His appointment follows Helensburgh councillor Aileen Morton’s decision to move on from the role, a political role which roughly equates to a local authority ‘prime minister’.
Ileach Robin Currie has served Argyll and Bute as a councillor for more than 30 years, in roles as wide ranging as planning and housing, leisure, islands and roads services.
Depute Provost Councillor Roddy McCuish welcomed the new leader: ‘These are very tough times for councils. Robin’s calm resolve to get things done and his in-depth experience of challenge in local government, will be key in ensuring the council continues the progress we are making for the area.’
Councillor Currie said: ‘I am passionate about Argyll and Bute. It is an amazing area that deserves the best. Becoming leader of its council is an honour.
‘We have to be realistic about the challenges we face, primarily budget gaps that mean continued change to what we do and how we do it, and a falling population that means we must attract people and jobs to the area.
‘Perhaps it’s because I am an islander, but steering a ship safely into harbour is the best analogy for me in describing my role as leader.
‘I know where we want to be and I am clear on what we have to do to get there. We must progress Argyll and Bute to the population and economic growth that will deliver a successful future.
‘Achieving this will be a team effort so as leader I will draw on the expertise of my colleagues, locally and nationally, as well as on the priorities we agreed together for the council.
‘We have a skilled, dedicated council workforce.
‘We have a beautiful area offering envied lifestyle opportunities.
‘And we have transformational investment in place to support the economy of Argyll and Bute.
‘There will be more difficult decisions to be made, but I am confident that by working together we will also have progress to celebrate for Argyll and Bute.’