I’m just a normal girl from Glenburn
Down-to-earth Lorraine thrilled to land provost role
Renfrewshire’s new provost insists she’s just a “normal girl from Glenburn”.
Modest Lorraine Cameron was landed the job as the civic head of the Renfrewshire Council yesterday and says she is a perfect of example of what hard work can achieve.
Having served as a councillor for 18 years, securing five election victories, she says it goes to show what can be done with dedication and persistence.
Speaking exclusively to the Paisley Daily Express after her appointment, the SNP councillor said: “We’ve brought our kids up, we’ve always worked, stayed in a council house.
“People think that provosts are somewhat upper class and distinctive in some way.
“So it’s actually quite good that a normal girl from Glenburn is now the provost of Renfrewshire.”
Mum-of-four Lorraine is taking on a big role.
Not only will she undertake extensive ceremonial and fundraising duties, but she is charged with maintaining order at often boisterous council meetings.
But she is confident her approach to such meetings will allow everyone their fair say.
She added: “My role will be to keep peace and order as much as I possibly can. But, at the same time, councillors have to be heard.
“Councillors are here because they were elected by their communities. Their communities are expecting that they can come into this chamber and speak on their behalf.
“Councillors do get irate at times, but I understand why.
“I’m not going to be stopping them saying their piece, so long as they are respectful to their colleagues.
“I’m up for good, healthy and vigorous debate in here, because that is not something we’ve had for a long time.”
Her predecessor, Anne Hall, was known for undertaking some daredevil stunts for charity, including jumping out of a plane and a wing walk.
But Lorraine, 54, says she is unlikely to follow suit.
“I’m not as brave as her, I wouldn’t jump out of a plane or jump off anything,” she laughed.
The provost will represent the local authority at events and support local causes through the Provost’s Community Awards.
Lorraine says she will continue to support the hospices in the area, and is also looking to carry on the work of former provost Celia Lawson in working with MND Scotland.
“My mother died from motor neurone disease, so that is a cause close to my heart,” she explained.
“I will think about my options and find out what I really want to do and how I want to apply myself to the role because all provosts do it differently.”
And she was quick to praise another former Provost, John McDowell, who visited her after getting wind that she might be in the running for the role.
She said: “That was a nice touch from him. I will certainly be leaning on some of the former provosts to get some advice.”