Long-serving Sutherland councillor Deirdre Mackay looks forward to life outside the local authority as she confirms she is not seeking re-election
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Veteran Sutherland councillor Deirdre Mackay has confirmed that she is standing down at the May 5 local authority elections.
Cllr Mackay, who represents the East Sutherland and Edderton ward, said she was looking forward to enjoying “the things I never could before”, and particularly additional time with her two small grandchildren.
She also plans to become more involved with “some local initiatives” after taking some time out.
She said: “I have mixed feelings, but I do feel the time is right. I have enjoyed it very much, but being a councillor is 24/7, mornings, afternoon, evenings and weekends. It simply does not stop.”
A Labour party member, Cllr Mackay, has served the far north since 1999. She initially stood in Caithness before moving to Sutherland when she married her husband Kevin.
“Sutherland has a strong tradition of partnership working,” she said. “I have been very fortunate to enjoy a close collaborative and cooperative working relationship with both my communities and colleagues.
“Working in a solution focused way, avoiding negativity, makes such a difference and has allowed us to focus on the challenges and opportunities and work towards common goals.”
Particularly important to her has been the Sutherland Partnership, which she helped shape.
“It has been a joy to see it mature into a highly respected, multi-agency organisation leading the way in Highland and addressing key priorities including fuel poverty, tourism, emotional health and wellbeing, food security, transport and employment.”
She continued: “I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals, groups and organisations, the volunteers and the professionals who I have had the privilege to work with over the years.
“It has been an honour and I wish you all success, good health and happiness.”
Cllr Mackay’s colleagues in the three-member ward, councillors Jim McGillivray, Embo, and Richard Gale, Golspie, have already indicated that they are seeking re-election.
In the north, west and central Sutherland ward, councillors Linda Munro and Kirsteen Currie are departing, while Hugh Morrison has yet to make up his mind.
