Colleagues express regret at Ross's decision to stand down
Veteran Sutherland councillor Ian Ross’s announcement that he is to stand down next year has been greeted with surprise and disappointment by fellow councillors.
Deirdre Mackay and Jim McGillivray, who along with Mr Ross represent the East Sutherland and Edderton ward, praised his contribution to the council and said they felt that he could have become council convener.
Mr Ross issued a public statement on Tuesday intimating his decision to stand down at the 2012 local authority elections.
He has 13 years service and has sat on some of the most influential council groups and committees.
But Mr Ross, a Lib Dem councillor, said he felt the time was now right for him to move on and take up new challenges.
Independent councillor Jim McGillivray said: "I deeply regret Ian’s decision not to stand for another term. I have the greatest respect for what he has achieved as a Highland councillor, and am particularly grateful for the unselfish assistance he has given me at all times over the last four years.
"He possesses that rare combination of a honed intellect and a very modest and approachable personality, and his contribution both to Sutherland and to the political life of the Highland Council will be sorely missed.
"I am extremely surprised by this news as I personally saw Ian as a future convener of the council. I am quite sure, however, that he has set himself other challenges."
Labour councillor Deirdre Mackay commented: "For the past 12 years Ian has given unstinting service to the people of Sutherland and the wider Highlands.
"His many roles have ranged from supporting small local organisations to holding senior positions on some of the most powerful committees in Highland Council.
"In all of these the good of the people he served, in Sutherland and the wider Highlands, has consistently come first.
"In the various positions he has held, Ian has consistently provided strong and insightful leadership. He commands enormous respect, not only at local government level but also at national level.
"Most recently, Ian played a central role in steering through what was without doubt the most difficult budget in the history of Highland Council.
"His leadership, his measured and reasoned argument, and the quiet strength with which he pursues his objectives, is respected right across the chamber.
"Throughout his public service Ian has been a man of stature, his integrity, wisdom and sheer hard work are well recognised and will be the values missed by many.
"Ian can retire from local government rightly proud of his many achievements over the past 12 years."