Councillor says his‘40 years’celebration has to wait
Councillor Willie Wilson has notched up 40 years as a member of the council in Perth.
But the current coronavirus situation has led the veteran Lib Dem politician to brush off any talk of celebrating right now.
Willie was first elected to Perth and Kinross District Council on May 1, 1980.
He has been consistently re-elected since then both as a Liberal and Liberal Democrat representative.
During his 40 years, Willie has served as depute provost on three occasions and has also been the convener of the planning committee, vice convener of the lifelong learning committee and policy and resources committee.
He has also served as leader and depute leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council.
Willie has worked with nine provosts, these have been John Mathieson, Alex Murray, Jean McCormack, John Culliven, Mike O’Malley, Bob Scott, John Hulbert, Liz Grant and Dennis Melloy.
Add to that, he has worked with four lord lieutenants and five chief executives.
As he enters his fifth decade as an elected member, Willie said:“It has been an enormous privilege to serve as a councillor for Perth and Kinross over so many years.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the public for their on-going kindness and support. In particular I would like to thank all the council staff – especially the civic team – for all their help over the years.
“The 40 years have seen huge changes in the range and depth of council services.”
Such a long time in Perth and Kinross politics is impressive but Willie does not feel now is the moment to bask in his achievement, adding: “The current dreadful pandemic has thrown up a whole set of new challenges that will need to be tackled urgently.
“Any thoughts about marking the occasion are firmly on hold until we deal with this most difficult time.”