Senior roles agreed at Highland Council

A Caithness councillor will lead Highland Council for the first time.

In the first meeting of the new council, Raymond Bremner was nominated by councillor Bill Lobban – newly elected to the convener seat – and seconded by his party colleague councillor Ken Gowans.

The Liberal Democrats provided opposition, with councillor Alex Graham nominating former deputy leader Alasdair Christie.

Councillor Maxine Morley-Smith seconded the nomination, saying that while she respected both men, she wanted the independent councillors to “vote for who your heart tells you”.

However, Mr Bremner comfortably won the vote, with 40 to Mr Christie’s 27, and four abstentions. The abstentions were said to be all Green party members.

Cllr Christie was elected unopposed to become the new leader of the opposition.

Congratulating Mr Bremner, the convener drew a laugh by inviting him to say “a few words – with emphasis on the few”.

Mr Bremner opened his speech by paying tribute to colleagues who had served on the last council, particularly former leader Margaret Davidson.

He also thanked the people of Caithness for their votes, and members in the chamber for electing him leader.

Then it was on to business.

“We are the third largest local authority after Glasgow and Edinburgh,” said Mr Bremner. “Geographically we are the biggest in the whole of the country. We have a population of nearly quarter of a million.

“The council itself is one of the biggest employers in the area, with nearly 10,000 staff and employees. We are a council that should be recognised at both Scottish Government and UK Government levels for all that we are.”

Mr Bremner said he wants to build a Highland economy “fit for the future” and he would strive to secure a strong deal nationally.

He took a swipe at opposition claims that the council would now pander to the Scottish Government.

“We need to be committed to ensuring that this council is best positioned in respect of our representation to government – the political recognition of the Highland Council needs to be at a higher level.”

He added: “I’d like to see us dispense with a lot of the opportunistic politics that are less about point scoring and more about making a real, material difference to the people of the Highlands.”

Mr Bremner said the council should now focus on building businesses and employment locally to reverse what some have called the ‘Highland clearances’ of population decline.

Mr Bremner finished by stating that he is a Caithness councillor first and foremost.

His ward colleague councillor Willie Mackay picked up this point, congratulating Mr Bremner and remarking:

“This is the first time a Caithness councillor has been elected to leader, an elevation I am particularly proud of.”