‘Huge shadow’ cast by death of councillor

Tributes have poured in for Nairn councillor Tom Heggie as his colleagues met for the first time since his death.

Members of the council’s education committee spoke of their “disbelief and massive sadness” yesterday morning.

He was vice-chairman of the committee.

The former teacher, minister and councillor died suddenly on Wednesday aged 65.

Chairman, Councillor John Finlayson, said he first met Councillor Heggie at a retirement from teaching course seven years ago. He said yesterday’s meeting was taking place “under a huge black shadow”.

“I recognised in Tom many of the qualities we’ve all come to know and admire over the last five years,” he said.

“A man with a sense of humour, a man with deep religious faith, and with integrity.

“A man who could make known his feelings and opinions in a calm and effective way, and a man who would give you a nononsense answer and who you could call at any time to get advice.”

Councillor Finlayson spoke of his colleague’s dedication to his family and his community, as a teacher, minister and councillor.

“Tom will be a loss to so many. His friends, his community, his church, his council colleagues, council staff and most importantly his family,” he said.

“We will all miss him and I’m sure when we think of Tom now and in the future, we will all reflect on a man that we remember as being a thoroughly decent human being, with no ego, and a wish to help and serve others.”

SNP education spokesman Graham Mackenzie echoed these sentiments, adding that Councillor Heggie was always prepared to listen to opinions other than his own.

It was a reminder, he said, that councillors share more common ground than they do disagreements.

The Nairn minister once quipped: “The difference between you and me, Graham, is I know where I’m going.”

“It was almost impossible to fall out with Tom, and that’s a measure of the man,” said Councillor Mackenzie.

Council convener Bill Lobban closed the tributes with an emotional account of his friend and colleague: “I didn’t know Tom until he was elected to represent the people of Nairn at the election of 2017, and represent them he did.

“Tom cared passionately for his whole community, irrespective of which side of the fence they sat on. It didn’t matter to Tom where you came from, or what you did, or who you were. He was a special individual.”

Mr Lobban said he got to know Mr Heggie really well over the five years following his election, and spoke of his colleague’s wicked sense of humour.

“Only a few days ago he had me sitting at my desk with tears of laughter rolling down my face,” he said.

“Those tears were somewhat different on Wednesday.”

‘A GENTLEMAN’: Education committee colleagues held a minute’s silence yesterday for Tom Heggie, who died suddenly on Wednesday.