Tributes paid following death of Aberdeenshire councillor
​Tributes are being paid to serving Aberdeenshire councillor, Ian Gray, who passed away this weekend.
Tributes are being paid to serving Aberdeenshire councillor, Ian Gray, who passed away this weekend.
An SNP councillor who represented the Banff and District ward, Cllr Gray was elected in May 2007.
He passed away on Saturday surrounded by his family. Flags at the council headquarters and at the Banff and Buchan area office are flying at half-mast in tribute.
Co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Richard Thomson, said: “This is a very sad day for us all and for everyone who knew Cllr Gray.
“He was a measured, considered and thoroughly professional councillor as well as being passionate about his constituency issues. The Banff and Buchan area has lost a true champion.”
Chair of Banff and Buchan Area Committee, Cllr John Cox, said: “We are all deeply saddened to hear this news.
“Cllr Gray was a well-liked, hardworking and extremely passionate councillor who championed the best interests of those in his constituency. Our area committee will miss his strength and direction and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Cllr Hamish Vernal is the Provost of Aberdeenshire. He said: “Cllr Gray was a respected friend and colleague and we will all miss him deeply.
“His presence was known and respected across the council chamber as well as across Banff and Buchan and our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.”
Tributes continue to be paid right across the council chamber.
Cllr Jim Gifford, leader of the Conservative group said: “Elected members from across the political spectrum will miss Cllr Gray a great deal. He was a very honest and hardworking man and this is a loss to us all.”
Cllr Alison Evison, leader of the Labour group said: “Our hearts go out to Cllr Gray’s family at this time and to all who knew him. His presence in the chamber will be sorely missed and I know his loss will be felt most deeply by those he represented, which he always did to the very best of his abilities.”
Cllr Karen Clark, leader of the Liberal Democrat group said: “I worked with Cllr Gray on Social Work and Housing Committee and had a lot of respect for his knowledge of the subject and was always pleased to get his input. He was a hardworking and principled councillor, the very best.”
Cllr Paul Johnston, leader of the Democrat Independent Group, said: “Everything Cllr Gray did he did in the best interests of the people he served, and as such he was an exemplary councillor. He will be sadly missed and leaves a great legacy for the constituency of Banff and district.”
Cllr Norman Smith represents the Aligned Independent Group. He echoed these feelings: “Cllr Gray had considerable political experience as well as respect from across groups and parties. His input into important debates and topics will be missed and my thoughts are with his friends and family.”