TRIBUTES are being paid by the Scottish Conservatives after the death of a Tory councillor.
Avril MacKenzie, who had served as the Conservative councillor for the Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone ward in Aberdeen City Council since 2017, passed away at her home on December 1. She was 67 years old.
After moving to Aberdeen to study Hospitality Management at Robert Gordon University, MacKenzie worked in accountancy before becoming a councillor five years ago.
Her death was announced by her brother Garry on social media: "It's with great sadness that on December 1, 2022 my beloved sister, Avril MacKenzie passed away at home. Funeral arrangements to be confirmed."
Colleagues are now paying tribute to the late councillor, who is being described as a “committed and passionate champion” for her ward.
I was so very sorry to hear of Avril MacKenzie's passing. She was a wonderful local councillor who served her ward with kindness & dedication. I would like to express my gratitude for all her work for the Scottish Conservatives & my deepest sympathies go to her family & friends. https://t.co/0EycubqSPS
— Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) December 5, 2022
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross tweeted: "I was so very sorry to hear of Avril MacKenzie's passing.
"She was a wonderful local councillor who served her ward with kindness & dedication. I would like to express my gratitude for all her work for the Scottish Conservatives & my deepest sympathies go to her family & friends."
Andrew Bowie, the Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, also took to social media to express his sadness at the news.
He said: “This is such sad news. Avril was a close friend a supporter & a @Conservatives stalwart for many years.
“A passionate campaigner for Aberdeen whose love for our party was matched only be her love for her dogs.
This is such sad news. Avril was a close friend a supporter & a @Conservatives stalwart for many years. A passionate campaigner for Aberdeen whose love for our party was matched only by her love for her dogs, I will truly miss her taking the mick and, always being up for a laugh https://t.co/n0lCyoGDjb
— Andrew Bowie MP (@AndrewBowie_MP) December 5, 2022
“I will truly miss her taking the mick and always being up for a laugh.”
The current Conservative group leader for Aberdeen City Council, Ryan Houghton, added: “Councillor Avril MacKenzie was a committed and passionate champion for her ward of Dyce, Danestone and Bucksburn but more than that she was a great friend to many.
"Kind and compassionate Avril went out her way to be friendly with people and nothing was too small for her to help with. Avril was elected in 2017 and since then worked diligently to fulfil her role to her best ability.
“As her colleague and friend, she will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.”
