Warm tributes to ‘one of a kind’ Graham
Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Stirling councillor and“true gentleman” Graham Lambie who died suddenly last week aged 62.
Councillor Lambie, who passed away at his home in Stirling, was described as ‘selfless and kind’.
The Forth and Endrick councillor was first elected to Stirling Council in 2007 and re-elected in the elections of 2012 and 2017.
Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said: “He was really one of a kind. He was always there as a calming influence and was a very kind, genuine and hardworking person who cared deeply about his constituents.
“Even in lockdown he was always asking for ways he could get out to his ward to serve the needs of his constituents. He was really that dedicated and selfless.
“He was a very close friend and I enjoyed his warmth and his humour. He was a person who was well respected right across the political divide and beyond.”
Councillor Lambie had served on a wide range of committees and panels, including recent roles on environment and housing, adult social care and the council’s school holiday meal provision delivery group. He had previously been convener of the council’s education committee.
Councillor Danny Gibson, Labour group leader said: “As a councillor Graham was well regarded and widely respected right across the political spectrum.
“He was simply one of the nicest people I have encountered in politics.”
Stirling Council chief executive Carol Beattie said Councillor Lambie will be “sorely missed for his insight, humour and ability to walk a mile in the shoes of others when expressing a view”.
She added: “He leaves a great legacy of public service and community spirit, for which we are all extremely grateful.”
Colleague Bannockburn councillor Alasdair MacPherson added: “Graham will be sadly missed by his mum Alison and sister Gillian and us all. He was a true gentleman in every sense and I’m very proud to have been his friend and colleague for the last 14 years.
“Graham could be summed up in many ways: intelligent, principled, extremely funny - a bad time keeper and also a very caring, dedicated and hard -working councillor.
“We will all miss his smile and natural warmth terribly.”
Apart from a year living in the Borders, where his dad taught at Denholm High School, Graham was brought up in Kinbuck. He attended Callander’s McLaren High School and went on to gain a degree in zoology from Aberdeen University.
He worked as a primary school teacher at Bannockburn Primary School for a few years, but changed direction, obtaining an MSc in Information Technology, to provide business support to many businesses in the Stirling area through Stirling Enterprise.
He was also a keen fisherman, and an avid supporter of the Scotland football team and member of the Tartan Army.
Former Stirling MP Steven Paterson, who was also elected to the council in 2007, spoke of his sadness at his friend’s passing.
He said: “Graham was a much-loved character with a big heart who will be sorely missed by all his many friends.
“I was privileged to count Graham as a good pal for over 25 years, as well as a steadfast colleague in the world of politics.
“He was dedicated to serving his constituents, and was a tireless champion for the Forth and Endrick ward.
“Graham loved Scotland and its people, and was never happier than cheering on a national sporting victory — I last heard from him on Saturday as he savoured that tremendous rugby win with trademark exuberance.”
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford expressed sadness at losing a close friend and colleague.
He said: “I will miss him greatly, and I am thinking about his family who have lost someone very special.
“Over the years, I went to a number of Scotland football matches with Graham. Like me, he was an avid member of the Tartan Army.
“He was an incredibly diligent and hard-working councillor.”
And Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “Over the years, I worked with Graham on many issues in his Forth and Endrick ward, and was always struck by the close relationship he had with his constituents. He was a hard-working councillor who had their back and they could trust.
“His sad passing is a deep loss to local communities, to Stirling Council, and to the SNP.”
We will all miss his smile and natural warmth terribly Cllr Alasdair MacPherson