The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Town’s shock at death of former council stalwart Glennis, 67
Mrs Middleton had represented Forfar for many years
Angus councillors have united in emotional tribute to “powerhouse” former colleague Glennis Middleton after the community of Forfar was stunned by her sudden death.
Mrs Middleton and her husband, former Angus Provost Bill, represented the town on the local authority for decades between them.
She died on Wednesday night after suffering a heart attack earlier this week.
Yesterday Provost Ronnie Proctor led the tributes in a sombre Town and County Hall, where Mrs Middleton sat on the council for the SNP from the formation of the shadow Angus Council in 1994 to last year’s local elections.
He said she would be remembered as kind, considerate and devoted to the people of Forfar and Angus.
The chamber stood for a minute’s silence as many former colleagues and friends struggled to come to terms with the news of 67-year-old Mrs Middleton’s death.
“Glennis was a first-class councillor who worked tirelessly for her constituents and the people of Angus,” said the provost, highlighting her “outstanding knowledge” of council matters and her particular devotion to health and social work services.
“Although she didn’t suffer fools gladly, Glennis always had a kind word and a listening ear, particularly to new members who sought her advice – as I did on many occasions.”
Council leader Bob Myles described Mrs Middleton as a “passionate campaigner” for the causes she believed in and said she would be “very much missed by friends, colleagues and the many people she had worked tirelessly on behalf of during her time in public office”.
Close friend and SNP group leader, Lynne Devine said: “We have been absolutely shattered by the news of Glennis’s death and the shock has already reverberated around this town.”
Describing her friend as “feisty” and devoted to the pursuit of independence, Ms Devine added: “She worked tirelessly and knowledgeably within the council and the party.”
Independent councillor David Fairweather said: “She was a formidable speaker and she was a formidable opponent in the chamber, but everything that has been said about her kindness and compassion is who Glennis was and we will all miss her.”
Originally from Irvine, Mrs Middleton is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Alison and stepchildren Paula and William.
“Glennis was a first-class councillor who worked tirelessly for her constituents and the people of Angus.
PROVOST RONNIE PROCTOR