A former Strathearn community councillor has received a letter from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanking him for his 43 years of service to the public.
Gordon McCartney, 74, recently retired from Comrie Community Council and was presented with an engraved crystal decanter and glasses from Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh MP, and also received the letter written by Ms Sturgeon from Annabelle Ewing MSP.
The letter praised Mr McCartney for his “outstanding commitment and effort” as a community councillor and mentioned his efforts to help villagers during the floods which twice hit Comrie in 2012.
Ms Sturgeon wrote: “I’m sure with your knowledge and experience you will be much missed on the community council and I wish you all the best.”
Sandra McRitchie, chair of Comrie Community Council, said she understands Mr McCartney could be one of the longest serving community councillors in Scotland.
“Gordon has been a community councillor since their inception 43 years ago,” she said.
“He has never shied away from the work of the community council and never more so when our village was hit not just once but twice by devastating floods.
“Despite being in his 70s he was out there checking on villagers, chapping doors, ensuring they were safe and working closely with the emergency services organising evacuations which were many.”
“He helps to organise the annual village Hay Ride, which is no mean feat getting tractors, drivers and hay bales to take the village children out for an afternoon of fun, games, food and a goody bag to take home. The event has been going on for more than 40 years.”
She continued: “His local knowledge is such that we can turn to him regarding many matters to get the history behind local issues, which alone is precious. He has supported new and old members and secretaries, keeping us right and sticking to the rules, throughout the years ensuring that the continuity of community life in Comrie goes on making our community unique compared to many across Scotland.
“All of this he has done and does quietly with no fuss and with humour.
“We feel that his length of service is unique. As far as we know he is the only person who has served as long on any community council in Scotland – no mean feat and our small presentation does not go far enough in our eyes to recognise his service to the community.”
Mr McCartney, a former farm manager, joined Comrie Community Council when it began back in 1973. During his time with the organisation he served as vice-chairman for 25 years and chairman for two sessions, totalling eight years.
