Council’s ‘humbled’ new leader vows to safely ‘steer ship’
Argyll and Bute Council’s new leader has described himself as ‘privileged and humbled’ to accept the post.
Councillor Robin Currie, from Islay, a Liberal Democrat representing Kintyre and the Islands, was confirmed as the authority’s new leader at a full council meeting last Thursday, September 24.
It follows the decision by Councillor Aileen Morton to step down from the role.
Councillor Currie has been a member of the council since its inception in 1996 and has held elected office in the area for more than 30 years. He is the current policy lead for housing, roads and infrastructure services.
He 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 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.’
In delivering her final report as council leader, Councillor Morton paid tribute to the people who have worked alongside her.
‘It has been an honour to lead a council so dedicated to the well-being of its communities who have also gone above and beyond in recent times.’