Councillors from across the political spectrum came together to pay tribute to the late Provost Helen Oswald at the first Angus Council meeting since her death.
Depute provost Alex King started the meeting with a minute’s silence before paying tribute to the SNP Carnoustie councillor who died on October 13.
Mr King said: “Just over a year ago Helen received the dreadful news that she had cancer, cancer that was aggressive and advanced.
“Faced with such a dreadful diagnosis it would have been fully understandable if Helen had chosen to step back from the sometimes onerous civic and council duties.
“However to have thought that of her would have been to completely misunderstand Helen’s spirit and her unshakeable belief in public service.
“It would have been entirely underestimate her strength and resolve. Each of us who knew Helen, either as a staunch allay or as an occasional adversary, can vouch for her tenacity and commitment.
“As Provost she seized every opportunity to promote the county at home and abroad and she loved to celebrate the ambitions of our communities and the achievements of our citizens.
“Her enthusiasm and drive did not diminish despite failing health Helen continued to fulfil civic engagements, the last one was just a few weeks ago.
“Angus has lost a true champion and we have lost a valued colleague and friend.”
A message from the Oswald family was read which thanked council staff for their “support and kindness”. £1,700 for Macmillan Cancer Support was collected at her funeral.
Independent Carnoustie councillor Bill Bowles said: “Although we didn’t see eye to eye on various topics, I had huge respect for the way she conducted herself as Provost.
“She was a true champion of Angus and will be sorely missed by the people of Carnoustie that she represented.”
Monifieth and Sidlaw councillor Rob Murray noted that Mrs Oswald was first elected as a Sidlaw East councillor and added: “It was always easy to work with her. She became deputy leader of the SNP group while I was the leader. She was an immense help to me during that period.”
Conservative Kirriemuir councillor Ronnie Proctor noted that Mrs Oswald was a great supporter of veterans in Angus.
Forfar councillor Glennis Middleton said: “I first met Helen when we attended college together. She was a colleague, my friend and I think she was probably the bravest person I ever met.”
Independent Brechin councillor Bob Myles said: “Although we frequently clashed within this chamber outside the chamber she was a different person altogether.
“She never held any grudges outwith the chamber and I could always speak to her on any matter and I respected her for that.
“She dealt with her illness over the last year with great fortitude.”
Tributes were also paid by councillors Brian Boyd, Sheila Hands, David Fairweather, Colin Brown and Sheena Welsh.
