Who played leading civic role, 84

couple bought their first house there for £2,000 where they lived for five years before buying their next home in Inverness for £3,200.

John then joined the gas board and rose to become a senior officer working on the conversion of appliances and equipment from coal gas to natural gas in the 1970s.

He retired aged 50 in 1987 and the couple moved south to Calvine to begin their business.

For 16 years, Sheila and John opened the large gardens of their home to The Black Watch army cadets.

“They came from Perth and Dundee and would camp and train in the garden or use it as a base to go into the hills. The children loved it and Sheila loved having them” said John.

“She was always going out to check on their welfare or take them soup. She was so kind and dedicated.”

John was elected to Tayside Regional Council as an SNP member for Atholl and Breadalbane in the late 1980s, then served on the shadow authority, then Perth and Kinross Council until 2007.

For three of these years, Sheila was first lady accompanying John on civic duties while he was provost.

Together, the couple got to know Prince Charles, Anne and Edward at many events including the opening of Stanley Mills and the National Mod when it was held in Blairgowrie.

After Sheila and John retired they enjoyed cruises and holidays, with Tunisia being a regular favourite.

“She used to go into Asda before we left for Tunisia to stock up on sweets to give to the children there. She was known as the Scottish sweetie lady.”

Seven years ago, the couple downsized and moved to Auchterarder where they soon became part of the community.

Sheila died at

Ninewells hospital on May 4, surrounded by family after receiving the last rites.

At her funeral at St John the Baptist Church,

Melville Street, Perth, tomorrow a piper will play Cabar Feidh, a tune long associated with the Mackenzie clan.

Sheila and John Culliven with Anne, the Princess Royal, who they got to know through their time in politics.