High school tribute plan for late councillor
The family of the late Cllr Bob Band is delighted councillors want to honour his memory by naming part of the new Perth High School building after him.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle has agreed to request a lasting tribute be made to the popular SNP councillor.
It is hoped a section of the new Perth High School building - such as an auditorium - will be named in tribute to Cllr Band.
The request was made by Independent councillor Xander McDade
Cllr Band was the elected member for Perth City South and backed plans to build a replacement for PKC’s largest secondary.
On hearing the news over the weekend, his son Kenny Band said on Twitter that it was “a lovely tribute” and added: “My mum and sister along with me are delighted with this.”
The decision was made at a virtual meeting of the full council on Wednesday September 30.
During the discussion of the building plans for the replacement Perth High School, Perth City South councillor Willie Wilson told councillors how his SNP colleague had fully supported the rebuild.
The Lib Dem councillor said: “As soon as we finished Oakbank Primary School, I turned round to colleagues and said, ‘Right let’s get on with the high school now.’ And I’m happy to say that the late Cllr Bob Band was very strong in his support of that. ”
Cllr Band was well-liked and respected as a councillor - described by many as a “gentleman” - and at one time served as convener of PKC’s lifelong learning committee deciding on educational issues in the county.
During last week’s meeting Independent councillor Xander McDade made the request that part of the new Perth High School building be dedicated to Cllr Band.
The Highland Perthshire councillor said: “He was not only a ward councillor to Perth City South but gave a huge amount to education across Perth and Kinross during his time as education convener. I think it would be a fitting tribute to him by this council if we were to acknowledge him in that way.”
Cllr Murray Lyle said he would be happy to do this.
The Conservative leader said: “I have absolutely no hesitation and will put that request forward.
“I am well aware of Cllr Band’s commitment not to only to his ward but to education in his previous role as convener. So I’m happy to progress that request and I look forward to informing members in the future.”
The leader of the council’s SNP group Councillor Grant Laing said: “I think it’s a fitting tribute to one of our own and I don’t mean that as party political but as a colleague across the chamber.”