| Sadness At Death Of Former Vice-Convener | 25 July 2008 |
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The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr Alex MacDonald, has expressed deep sadness at the death of former Councillor and Vice-Convener of the Comhairle, Angus M Graham. Angus came onto the Comhairle in 1983 following a by-election in the Gress ward. His rise in the Comhairle was rapid and he was elected as Chair of Development Services in 1986. Subsequently Angus became Vice-Convener of the Comhairle in 1994 during a five year term that saw great progress in the development of much of the infrastructure and facilities in the Islands. In 1999 he served for a just under a year as Chairman of Transportation. In addition to his Council work, for many years Angus was Chair of the Low Pay Unit, the national organisation that campaigns and lobbies against poverty and low pay. He was also a successful businessman, running the NFU insurance business in Stornoway. Mr MacDonald said: “Angus’ death fills me with sadness. He was a superb, intelligent, fearless politician and a magnificent debater who brought real presence to the Chamber. He would happily debate with anyone –be they Government Minister, Chair of some quango or top civil servant– and he usually won the argument. Angus worked tirelessly on behalf of his ward and for the people throughout the Western Isles. He was a champion of the underdog, campaigning relentlessly for, amongst others, the crofting community. He was central in the establishment of the Auction Mart at Steinish and a key figure in Heather Isle Meats. The role of Chair of the Low Pay Unit was close to Angus’ heart and he worked vigorously on the organisation’s behalf. On behalf of all those at the Comhairle, Officers and Members, our sympathies are extended to Angus’ family.On a personal level, Angus was a close colleague and friend for over 20 years and I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and those of the many people who knew Angus are with his wife Isabel, their children Alasdair, Michael and Avril and the grandchildren that Angus so loved, Katy and Erin.’ The flag is flying at half mast at Comhairle offices. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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