The Aberfeldy community has paid its respect to a long-lived countryman and an important SNP politician who worked hard to represent the area.
Alex Murray died peacefully at home on May 11. He was the first elected SNP councillor in Perth and Kinross District Council and later in 1988, the first SNP provost in Scotland when he took the top roll at 2 High Street, Perth.
Alex’s funeral was held at Weem Church, Aberfeldy on Friday, May 27.
The farmer, who lived to be 91, was born in December 1930.
He came to Perthshire in 1971, brought up a family at Camserney and was the beloved husband of Lily and a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He was honoured with an MBE in 2004 and Scottish Farmer called him a 'Living Legend' in a 2000 feature.
His daughter-in-law, Sally Murray recently tried for office in the same Highland ward at the 2022 council elections. His son David farms the land near Aberfeldy that Alex tended all his life.
The newly installed Provost of Perth and Kinross, Xander McDade said at Wednesday’s Full Council meeting: “Our condolences to the family of former Perth Provost Alex Murray who died last week.
“Mr Murray was provost between 1988 and 1992 and was a councillor from 1982 to 1999, representing Aberfeldy.”
Former councillor Willie Wilson served as depute provost alongside Alex. In a story for the PA in 2015, he described Alec as “a man of his own mind”.
Of his time as provost, he said: “He was an innovative and thoughtful civic leader combining his sheep farming duties well with his civic role.
“He was great fun to work with and always full of new ideas.”
Mr Wilson said this week: “Alex Murray was a wonderful man who made an excellent provost.
“It was an honour and a pleasure to work with him as depute provost during his term of office from 1988 to 1992.
“We made a great team and enjoyed sharing the multitude of civic duties.
“Alex will be greatly missed within his community and most especially in his family.
“He was a kind gentleman who never shirked taking on a challenge or responsibility. He found it easy to work across the political groups due his good nature and warm determination to get things done.”
