Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fond farewell to city lord provost
IT was a moment that highlighted the impact Ian Borthwick has had in his 59 years in Dundee politics.
As the 83-year-old carried out his final interview with The Evening Telegraph as lord provost, he was approached by a passer-by at City Square.
“The lord provost was a councillor for Downfield when I was a wee laddie in Dundee, he did a lot for the area,” said Wullie Coupar – who no longer lives in the city.
“That’s the most important aspect of things,” Mr Borthwick summarised, referencing his love for helping people.
The councillor had been enjoying his final day in politics, as he stepped down ahead of today’s council elections.
He had previously revealed how he was considering calling it a day – but his intention to stand down was only confirmed when his name did not appear on the list of candidates.
“I’d like to say to my constituents over the years that it’s been a privilege serving them,” he said.
“There were many, many good people during that time. I get stopped by people who say, ‘you helped my granny with housing’ or something but this is what you get.
“If you forget about your constituents, they’ll forget about you and that’s true.”
Mr Borthwick was first elected as a Labour representative for the old Dudhope ward – when it was Dundee Town Council – in 1963.
In 1964 this changed to Downfield before becoming Strathmartine.
He later became an independent member – after a row with Labour over plans for the Waterfront – before becoming part of a coalition with the SNP in 2017.
Mr Borthwick says his biggest achievement is the number of people he has managed to lend a hand to.
He said: “The most important work of a councillor, as far as I was concerned, was assisting the people that needed help.
“Housing was the main problem at the time when I was first elected and certainly we overhauled that over time.
“One of the main challenges that I think has to be addressed much more is drugs and the effects they are having on individuals and communities.
This is what happens if you’ve been around for any length of time – one challenge diminishes and then another one arises – but I think Dundee has come on greatly.
“It has been a privilege and I have no regrets.”
Paying tribute to Mr Borthwick, Mr Coupar described him as a “councillor of the people”.
“I was delighted when he got the lord provost’s chain,” he said.
“I’m a Fintry boy born and bred but left Dundee in 1969 and I’ve haven’t lived here since.
“Sadly my last family tie with Dundee, my uncle, died in Ninewells on Friday – but I just spotted Mr Borthwick and thought, ‘this is a fine Dundonian’.”