Bridge of Earn bench in memory of councillor after Covid death

By Kathryn Anderson, Local Democracy Reporter

November 29 2022, 1:46pm

Shirley Anderson, wife of the late Cllr Henry Anderson (right picture), with daughter Kathy Anderson and son Scott Anderson on the bench. Image: Carol Mair.

A memorial bench has been installed outside Bridge of Earn Institute in memory of local councillor Henry Anderson.

A fundraising drive by friends and colleagues of the late Almond and Earn councillor also saw £1,000 donated to Institute funds.

Friends, family and local councillors paid tribute to Henry Anderson at a special event on Saturday, November 26.

The SNP councillor died in December 2020 after catching Covid.

‘Giant of a man’

Former SNP councillor and friend Wilma Lumsden said: “Henry was a giant of a man in every respect and is missed by so many”.

The bench has a tribute to Henry Anderson. Image: Carol Mair.

Long-time friend and fellow campaigner Bryan Auchterlonie added: “Henry was an ideal councillor, and well respected by the people on all political sides in Almond and Earn ward. He took the lead on many projects and was a driving force in trying to improve the lives of local people.”

Henry’s widow Shirley and family presented the cheque to local resident Joanna McKenzie.

Shirley Anderson (right) presents cheque to Joanna McKenzie (left), who accepted on behalf of Bridge of Earn Institute Committee. Image: Perth and Kinross SNP.

Joanna accepted it on behalf of the institute’s voluntary management committee.

She said: “Due to the generosity of many of Henry’s friends the funds required to purchase the memorial bench were exceeded, and therefore we are delighted to accept this cheque for £1,000 to benefit the institute and its users.”