Former Highland councillor and Inverness Provost Bill Smith, who helped steer the town to city status, dies at 85
A former Provost who played a leading role in guiding Inverness to city status in 2000 has died at the age of 85.
Bill Smith was the first Inverness Provost of the 21st century, having taken office from 1999 to 2007.
Having run the Laurel Avenue Post Office in Dalneigh, he diligently served the Dalneigh and later Inverness Central wards as councillor, before rising to leadership of the Inverness area.
Mr Smith, latterly of Drumblair Crescent in Inverness, passed away on Sunday.
He is survived by wife Janet, children Janet and Donald, grandchildren Leanne, Jamie and Daniel, and great-grandchildren Harry and Erin.
Ex-councillor Peter Corbett was one of many who knew and valued him as a friend and mentor within the local authority.
Mr Corbett said: “Bill was very popular, approachable and well-respected among local people. As an independent member of the council, he easily crossed any party divisions and would talk to and work with everyone.
“He was very helpful to me when I first came onto the council and I often turned to him for advice. He was also hard-working to a fault, both in his own private working life and on behalf of local people as councillor.
“He would strive to help anyone who came to him asking for help.
“He will be very sadly missed by a great many people.”
Another former Highland councillor, Allan Duffy, said: “As Provost, Bill saw Inverness become a city. Along with other councillors, he was instrumental in Inverness getting this prestigious change in status.
“He had visions of the city becoming more, and becoming a place where many people would want to visit and live.
“I am very saddened by his passing.”
Mr Smith said at the time of the city honour: “To be granted city status from the Queen at the millennium is a magnificent honour for Inverness.
‘It will give businesses in the town and indeed throughout the Highlands a tremendous marketing tool in attracting additional income to our fast-growing economy.”
Highland Council also paid tribute to Mr Smith, describing him as a “dedicated Highlander” who devoted his time, energy, and passion to the advancement of Inverness and its people and said his efforts would always be appreciated.
Convener Bill Lobban extended deepest sympathies to Mr Smith’s family and friends on behalf of his fellow councillors and staff.
“We remember his dedication and service as a Highland Councillor and Provost with great fondness," he said.
Inverness Provost Glynis Campbell Sinclair, also passed on her heartfelt condolences to his relatives and those in his community who knew him well
“Not only was Bill a well-known pillar of the community where he was sub-postmaster of Dalneigh Post Office, but he was also an exemplary Provost of Inverness, serving the city and area from 1999 to 2007 in that role,” she said.
He also strengthened Inverness's ties with its twin towns of Augsburg in Germany and La Baule in France, promoting cultural and economic relations.
As an active community worker, he championed the development of his ward and played a key role in establishing the James Cameron Community Centre in Dalneigh, ensuring residents had access to valuable resources and programs. He also advocated for the renovation of homes in Dalneigh and the broader Canal Ward.
An Independent councillor for Inverness Canal Ward from 1995, he was re-elected in 1999 and again in 2003 without opposition.
His leadership extended beyond the role of Provost as he also chaired the Inverness Area Committee, the Cultural and Leisure Services Committee, and the Resources Committee. Additionally, he served on various committees including the Corporate Services Committee, Europe and Development Committee, Roads and Transport Committee, Social Work Committee, and the Land and Environment Committee.
He also served as a Justice of the Peace and was an active member of select committees on Renewing Democracy and Community Planning, Sustainable Development, Land and Environment, and Gaelic, and he served on the Police Board.
