THE leader of Stirling Council, Margaret Brisley, has died aged 79.
Brisley’s family issued a statement on Sunday confirming the death of the Scottish Labour councillor, less than two months after she took over as head of Stirling Council.
The statement said the family was “truly heartbroken to share the news our wee mum Margaret Brisley passed away today at 1.40pm after a short illness”.
It went on: “The most wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister in law, auntie and wise sage to all her family and friends. The most loving, generous, selfless and passionate socialist advocate for equality we will ever know.
“Still working at 79 in the job she truly loved and dedicated herself to. She will be truly missed.”
Brisley had represented the people of Bannockburn since 1980, serving on Stirling District Council and, from 1996, Stirling Council.
In September, she replaced Chris Kane as Stirling Council leader after he was elected to be the MP for Stirling and Strathallan.
“She was a trailblazer for women in local politics and a passionate advocate for local government.
“In her recent years she was a mentor to many Labour politicians, including me, and I shall miss her greatly.”
Gerry McGarvey, the deputy leader of Stirling Council, said: “Margaret was returned as a councillor at each of the 11 elections she stood in, which is testament to the dedication and hard work she undertook on behalf of her constituents.
“Her calming and professional presence will be missed at Stirling Council, and I am both sad at her passing and that I will not have more opportunity to learn from her.”
The Stirling constituency Labour Party also paid tribute, saying Brisley would be “missed by all who knew her”.
