Long-serving councillor Andrew Arbuckle stepping down at election
One of the longest-serving councillors on Fife Council this week announced that he will not be seeking re-election in the May local authority elections.
- Published in the Courier : 24.02.12
- Published online : 25.02.12 @ 10.38am
Councillor Andrew Arbuckle, chairman of the North East area committee, said his decision to step down after 26 years was down to several reasons.
''I am now well beyond retirement age, my health has not been as good as it might be and I am now a grandfather and intend seeing more of the grandchildren,'' he said.
''I have enjoyed my spell as a councillor, especially in the past five years where I have been a member of the Lib Dem/SNP administration, and I consider myself very lucky to have represented the area.''
Mr Arbuckle, a former farming editor of The Courier who also served as a list MSP for the Lib Dems, was first elected to the then Fife Regional Council in 1986, representing the Auchtermuchty/Newburgh ward. He is currently one of the three councillors representing the Howe of Fife and Tay Coast area.
Reflecting on his time as a councillor, Mr Arbuckle said the best part had always been helping individuals or groups in getting what was due to them.
He said: ''Councillors are no more than links between their electorate and the strange world of councils. If I have helped the two sides to communicate and understand each other, then I am fine with that.
''My particular favourite project is the forthcoming traffic scheme in Cupar. Local residents and drivers coming through Cupar have suffered for far too long.
''It is unlikely we will see a Cupar bypass in my lifetime and this project, using the latest technology, will help traffic flow easier through Cupar, as well as improve pedestrian safety for local shoppers and residents.''
02.44pm - 25.02.2012 Jock Ferguson - Cupar, Scotland Report This
This is indeed good news for his constituents.
10.55am - 26.02.2012 Molly - Ladybank, Scotland Report This
While this is no reflection on Mr Arbuckle, this is a good time for him (or any Lib Dem) to go. That Party is going to be severely punished at all levels of democracy in Scotland, for getting into bed with the Tories at Westminster.
04.56pm - 26.02.2012 George Mc - Fife, Scotland Report This
Fife needs an MSP like Rob Gibson. On the same day when Scotland's unemployment level continued towards 250,000, Mr Gibson preferred to waste parliamentary time on a question on the cross-pollenation of apples in the parly garden. Embarrassing stuff, no doubt about it.
11.18am - 27.02.2012 Newburghwindfarm - Newburgh, Fife Report This
Totally agree with the above comments. I for one will never vote Lib-Dem again. They are instrumental in Tory policy being driven through that Mrs Thatcher could have only dreamed of. As for the whole Windfarm at Newburgh thing a Politician of Mr Arbuckle experience should have handled this better
01.22pm - 27.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Considering the baseless abuse he's had to take from "motivated" individuals recently, I'm not surprised he's retiring. It's a shame some people will be gloating over this. It says more about them than it does about Mr Arbuckle.
07.36pm - 27.02.2012 A Nonny Mouse - Fife, Scotland Report This
I wondered how long it would be before the Cybernats found the Courier, but here they are in all their glory! Cllr Arbuckle deserves praise for the way he has served his community for the last 26 years both as Councillor and MSP. He'll be a big loss to the Council and the Newburgh community.
01.47pm - 28.02.2012 Jock Ferguson - Cupar, Scotland Report This
Like all politicians, Councillor Arbuckle has divided peoples opinions as to his performance in office and mine happens to be of the belief that his waygoing is a good thing.
02.37pm - 28.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
A Nonny Mouse, its not who you call "cybernats" who are having a go at Cllr Arbuckle; its the NIMBYs. I'm what you would ungraciously call a "cybernat" and I posted in support of him :)
06.30am - 29.02.2012 Jock Ferguson - Cupar, Scotland Report This
Mr. Allan has not been 'represented' by Councillor Arbuckle (unlike me) and I felt he did not respond in the correct manner when approached on more than one occasion. I think Newburgh deserves better.
11.01am - 29.02.2012 NE Fife - NE Fife, Scotland Report This
@ Jock. I find it so easy to criticise those elected to serve. Ever thought about standing for office? I think Arbuckle has on the whole been good for Fife.
Add a comment