Shock as veteran ousted despite 38 years service

Brian Topping said he is “totally devastated” after he lost his seat on Aberdeenshire Council after 38 years.

Mr Topping had been hoping to return as Fraserburgh and District as an Alba councillor, after resigning from the SNP last year. However, he bagged just 274 of the public’s votes – half of his 2017 tally.

The successful candidates were James Adams (Conservatives), Ann Bell (Lib Dems), Seamus Logan (SNP) and Doreen Mair (Independent).

“I’m totally devastated,” Mr Topping said. “I’ve been a councillor for a long time and now I’m going to have a hole in my life.

“But the good thing is I’m going to be able to spend more time with my family and friends, who have sacrificed so much for me during my career as a councillor.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of projects and so many folk over the years have said ‘everyone knows someone that Brian has helped’ - and that’s what’s given me the greatest satisfaction.”

Mr Topping added one of the highlights during his career has been the installation of CCTV in Fraserburgh, which has proven successful at tackling crime.

He has overseen and participated in a number of projects, including the ongoing regeneration of Fraserburgh, recently hailed “the most improved town in Scotland”.

This was the first local election Mr Topping had stood as an Alba candidate after he decided to break ties with his long-standing SNP colleagues last year.

While he said he doesn’t regret switching allegiance, he admitted the change of rosette – along with low turn out – might have played a part in the result.

He said: “I don’t know what happened but I’ve had many people come and tell me: ‘You should have won today.’

“I’ve always said that when you stand for councillor, you can be totally unknown, but if you’re wearing the right colour of rosette, people will always vote for you.

“I’m delighted there are still people who vote for the person, not the rosette – and I know I have people who voted for me and everything I’ve done for Fraserburgh.

“But if you don’t have the right colour of rosette, that can affect you.”

He added: “I congratulate and wish all the best to the winners today and I want them to know that I will always be here if they need any help or support.

“I want to thank my family, all my helpers that supported me through my campaign and all my voters – each and every one of them.

“I remain 100% committed to the Broch and to my community.”

Brian Topping.