Tributes paid as Inverness Depute Provost resigns as city councillor
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Tributes have been paid to the dedication and service of Inverness Depute Provost Graham Ross who has resigned as a city councillor for family reasons.
Cllr Ross has served the Inverness West ward for nine years
Convener of Highland Council, Councillor Bill Lobban said: "Graham has been a very conscientious and hardworking member both in his role as a ward councillor and as deputy provost and deputy city leader of Inverness and I wish him well for the future."
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael also paid tribute to Councillor Ross when she announced the news "with deep regret" at the Inverness city committee meeting.
She said she could not have wished for a better deputy.
"Graham was elected to serve on the council as councillor for the Inverness West ward in 2012," she said.
"He quickly gained the respect of all who came into contact with him and was appointed as Depute Provost/depute city leader for the city of Inverness in June 2017.
"The value Graham brought to perpetuating community development and vibrancy within the city cannot be overestimated.
"Whether it was his supreme professionalism and knowledge of what makes communities work, or, his amazing dedication as an Invernessian committed to improving his community, he delivered to the highest possible standard.
"Graham has used his valuable skills in delivering on key roles within the city ranging from leading on the city’s successful events and festivals programme to his most recent role as chairman of the city area recovery group.
"His immense knowledge was a perfect fit with his role as a key custodian of the Inverness Common Good Fund which he delivered as chairman of the Inverness Common Good Fund sub committee.
"On a personal note, I could not have wished for a better depute as both provost and leader of the city and I thank Graham for all his work in support of city communities.
"He has set a very high standard for all of us to follow and will be greatly missed by councillors, officers and most importantly, by our city community, whom Graham so diligently served for many years."
The council is currently considering the potential timing of a by-election for the Inverness West ward.
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