New leader appointed for Argyll and Bute Council

A new leader has been chosen for Argyll and Bute Council.

Scottish Liberal Democrat councillor Robin Currie, who lives on Islay and represents Kintyre and the Islands, was appointed on Thursday.

This follows the decision by Councillor Aileen Morton to move on from the role.

Currie is currently the council’s policy lead for housing, roads and infrastructure services.

He has been a councillor in Argyll and Bute for more than 30 years, covering roles including planning and housing, leisure, islands and roads services.

Currie is chair of the council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Argyll and Bute Harbour Board and the Argyll Islands Strategic Group.

He also sits on a number of other bodies including the SOILLSE National Network for Gaelic Research consultative committee, Argyll, Lomond and the Island Energy Agency management board, Scottish Islands Federation, Northern Roads Collaboration, Argyll Ferry User Group and HITRANS.

Commenting on his appointment, Currie said: “I am passionate about Argyll and Bute. It is an amazing area that deserves the best. Becoming leader of its council is an honour.

“We have to be realistic about the challenges we face, primarily budget gaps that mean continued change to what we do and how we do it, and a falling population that means we must attract people and jobs to the area.

“Perhaps it’s because I am an islander but steering a ship safely into harbour is the best analogy for me in describing my role as leader.

“I know where we want to be, and I am clear on what we have to do to get there: we must progress Argyll and Bute to the population and economic growth that will deliver a successful future; achieving this will be a team effort, so as leader I will draw on the expertise of my colleagues, locally and nationally, as well as on the priorities we agreed together for the council.

“We have a skilled, dedicated council workforce. We have a beautiful area offering envied lifestyle opportunities. And we have transformational investment in place to support the economy of Argyll and Bute.

“There will be more difficult decisions to be made, but I am confident that by working together we will also have progress to celebrate for Argyll and Bute.”

Depute provost Councillor Roddy McCuish said: “These are very tough times for councils.

“Robin’s calm resolve to getting things done and his in-depth experience of challenge in local government will be key in ensuring that the council continues the progress we are making for the area.”