Touching tributes have been paid to Stirling councillor Graham Houston who has died at the age of 74.
The SNP councillor for the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward sadly passed away on Sunday following a short illness.
Councillor Houston was first elected as a councillor in May 2007.
SNP group leader at Stirling Council, Cllr Scott Farmer was among those leading the tributes.
He said: “This is extremely sad news for everyone in the SNP group and I would like to share my heartfelt condolences with Graham’s wife Jennifer, his family and friends.
“Graham was a man of integrity and a dedicated public servant, representing his constituents with distinction to the very end despite his illness.
“That’s no surprise to me as Graham was a really caring individual, whose first instinct was always to think about other people other than himself.
“Graham was pragmatic, had a fine-tuned sense of wit and was passionate in ensuring a better future for the people he represented. I looked up to him so much in the way he conducted himself in public life especially in how he managed challenging situations. He really was a cut above the rest.”
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Councillor Houston served across a wide range of roles at the council including as council leader from 2008 to 2012 and depute convener of the council from 2017 to 2022.
He also served as vice president of COSLA (2017-2022), chair of the Scottish Qualification Authority (2009-2017) and as a board member of the Scottish Police Authority (2012-2018) as well as being on the Integration Joint Board (2017-2022) that oversees the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.
Cllr Farmer added: “Graham had an incredible mission to improve the lives of young people, doing all he could to help them achieve their potential, especially the more vulnerable in our communities. He was a proud Corporate Parent and a member of the Champions Board.
“As well as an active participant in the party, locally and nationally, Graham was highly thought of throughout the public sector, and he was at the forefront of supporting the response of local government during the pandemic as vice president of COSLA.
“Away from public life and politics, Graham ran a small business and was involved in business coaching. He was a private person who loved nothing more than spending time with his family or playing a round of golf at Dunblane Golf Club where he was an active member. I will miss him greatly.”
Stirling Council leader, Labour councillor Chris Kane said: “I’m incredibly saddened and shocked to hear the news of Graham’s passing.
“Graham was genuine and hardworking, a committed councillor who cared deeply about serving the needs of his constituents in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
“Graham was a formidable political opponent who was respected and admired across the political divide and that says a lot about his character.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
Bannockburn ward independent councillor Alasdair Macpherson is a former SNP councillor who was friends with Cllr Houston for many years. He said: “Graham was a close, valued colleague and a good friend of mine since 2007 when we were elected on the same day.
“He was a man of the highest integrity and a great ambassador for the SNP and the wider independence movement.
“I learned about Graham’s illness a few weeks ago and emailed him me and my family’s best wishes. I had a conversation with him in the car park at Old Viewforth less than two weeks ago, so his untimely death has come as a great shock.
“My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Stirling Council chief executive, Carol Beattie said: “Graham was respected across the political spectrum. His legacy will be of outstanding public service and I am grateful to have known and worked with him.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also paid tribute to a “dedicated councillor and staunch champion for local government”. She added: “He was also a much loved member of the SNP family. He will be sorely missed and my condolences go to his many friends, colleagues and loved ones.”
COSLA president Councillor Shona Morrison said: “This is truly devastating news today and there is very little that can be said that pays adequate tribute to such a wonderful human being at this time.
“Graham was robust in his standing up for and defence of local government and he worked closely with colleagues across Scottish local government, as well as with others from across Scotland in a wide variety of roles. To put it simply, he was one of life’s good guys.”
