LIZ AND BOB TO STEP DOWN
Council stalwarts to retire from office
Two of Blairgowrie and Glens local councillors have announced that they will be retiring from office at the local elections next year.
SNP councillors Bob Ellis and Liz Grant will both be standing down after representing their local community for several years.
Councillor Ellis has been in office for 22 years while Councillor Grant, the current Perth and Kinross Council Provost, was first elected in 2003.
Bob says that some of the highlights of his tenure as councillor include being involved in setting up the Strathmore and the Glens company, the Mount Blair Community Development Trust and the town bus service but that one of his biggest highlights was co-founding the Cateran Trail.
Speaking to the Blairie, he said: “Little did I know that this trail, the very first long distance circular trail in Scotland, would have such a positive effect on the communities it passes through.
“Alongside this, setting up a path network group to look at all aspects of maintenance on our many paths and working with hard working and dedicated volunteers is simply a joy.”
He added: “Other highlights would have to include seeing the new Blairgowrie Community Campus built, which is now being used for various events, and the popularity of the Rattray Connect building as well - both of these buildings are an asset to the community.
“Being a councillor also means that you have the opportunity to attend or join the many local committees and in Blairgowrie and the Glens.
“All are made up of volunteers who want to do the best for town and area. It has always been heart-warming to be able to attend and serve on these.”
Despite the many positives of the last 22 years however, Bob feels that the time is now right to hang up his “pen, diary and council computer”.
He explained: “It has though been a privilege and an honour to represent all of my constituents and work with colleagues throughout the last 22 years.
“I feel that I have served my time. I am well aware that I have not pleased everyone in Ward 3, some decisions have not been palatable, I know, but I have feel that I have done my best over the years.
“Having to make budget cuts year after year has not been easy but we are where we are.
“I also want to spend more time with my family and friends as being a councillor subjects you to being on call from morning to night, every day of the week.”
But he also stressed that he would still play an active role in the local community, commenting: “I intend to still work with groups within our lovely community as there are many projects unfinished.”
Provost Liz Grant also feels that the time is right to stand down having achieved what she first set out to do nearly 14 years ago.
She told the Blairie: “When I was elected in 2003 to represent the good folk of Rattray and the Glens I was armed with a list of outstanding issues that needed to be actioned.
“The most pressing were in Kirkmichael and the Glens. The primary school and the area desperately needed a nursery school to serve the two glens, there was an issue with the all-weather court at the school.
“In addition there was a growing need for affordable housing, the longstanding issue of the long-promised Craighall by-pass and the re-alignment of the Lair Road.
“Since 2005 we have been the administration of the council and I am pleased to say that all the issues on my list have been resolved.”
The former nurse went on: “The leadership of our schools is of paramount importance and apart from the long overdue capital spend in the area I consider my most significant contribution to our children’s education was my direct influence in increasing the rigour of headteacher selection.
“Just prior to my taking up the role of Provost we committed to building the new community centre next to Rattray Primary School which I am sure will help to service the needs of the community well into the future.
“The capital spend in the area is in excess of £30 million - not including the £18 million planned for the new recreation centre and PE dept Blairgowrie High School - and has been achieved in an increasingly austere economic climate since the banking crisis in 2008 and which will continue for the foreseeable future.
“However, we have steadily improved our council housing stock in Blairgowrie, Rattray and surrounding area, all our tenants have benefited from new double glazing, new kitchens, bathrooms and doors and where there was the most need gas-fired central heating replaced inefficient electric heating systems.”
But Provost Grant added: “As local authorities are about to experience significant change and I have achieved all that I set out to do and more, I think it is an appropriate moment for me to step down and encourage the next generation to take on the mantle of service.
“It has been a great privilege to serve as the local councillor for Rattray and the Glens and latterly for the multi-member ward of Blairgowrie and the Glens.”
I intend to still work with groups within our lovely community Bob Ellis