A‘brutal reminder’ of how unforgiving virus can be

Cllr Henry Anderson’s death is a“brutal reminder of how unforgiving COVID can be,” according to Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

The Perthshire North MSP was one of many to pay tribute to the SNP councillor.

Mr Swinney said his death was “heartbreaking”and added:“Henry was a much-loved and valued colleague who took very seriously his role as a councillor. He was a strong advocate for his constituents and a passionate believer in the good work that local government can do. I extend my deepest sympathies to Henry’s family.”

Council leader Murray Lyle said:“He was always an excellent advocate for his ward of Almond and Earn and passionate about local issues.

“I had the pleasure of working with Henry for several years with the Local Review Body and always enjoyed his company, good humour and sense of fun when we were out visiting planning sites. Henry will be hugely missed by council colleagues and my deepest and sincerest condolences go out to his wife Shirley and his family at this sad time.”

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham expressed her sadness, saying:“It was with a real sense of shock and sadness that I learned of the death of Henry Anderson, councillor for Almond and Earn.

“Henry was a genuine and good man who cared deeply about his community and his country.

“He represented the people of Almond and Earn with passion and with commitment, and I know that he will be missed and mourned very widely indeed.

“My heart goes out to Henry’s wife Shirley and the whole family, who I know will be devastated at the loss of such a loving, generous man.”

John Nicolson, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said: “I am so terribly sad to hear of the sudden death of Cllr Henry Anderson.

“Henry and I met last year during the general election campaign. I liked him immediately and as we drove around the constituency campaigning, I got to appreciate his warmth, wisdom, and dry often self deprecating - wit.”

Strathmore councillor Fiona Sarwar shared a picture on Twitter of Cllr Anderson enjoying lunch with his colleagues.

She wrote:“What I wouldn’t give to be back at Monday lunch club with you @henrycllr.

“You were a gentleman of the highest order and made my experience as a new councillor so much better. This is such a heavy loss from such a cruel disease. My thoughts are with your family.”

Provost Dennis Melloy said:“I was completely shocked and saddened when I was told the sad news that Cllr Henry Anderson had succumbed to the COVID pandemic. Henry was an outstanding councillor who will be sadly missed by all his council colleagues, officers and staff throughout Perth and Kinross Council.”

Chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council Karen Reid said:“Everyone in Perth and Kinross Council is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Cllr Henry Anderson.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”