Respected Tain and Easter Ross Councillor Derek Louden resigns from Highland Council, known for his honesty, self-effacing modesty, and civic pride
Respected Tain and Easter Ross Councillor Derek Louden has resigned from Highland Council as he appears to enter retirement from frontline public life.
Cllr Louden was known across the ward and the council for his honesty, self-effacing modesty, civic pride and business acumen.
It remains unclear why he has stepped down as he has not made any public statements though health may be a factor.
He first entered the council at the 2017 election, sitting in opposition to the Independent, Liberal Democrat and Labour administration.
Following the 2022 local government elections he retained his seat and became part of the SNP-Independent administration.
As a councillor he was scrupulously circumspect, particularly when it came to taking credit for something positive he was responsible for delivering.
During the launch of bid for the Green Freeport he argued strongly in favour of the development - though he not alone in supporting it.
That was counter-balanced against his willingness to take responsibility when things did not go well at the council.
He alone among the SNP-Independent administration members apologised to the public when 10 school projects were cancelled in a sure mark of his integrity.
Mr Louden’s detractors could only criticise his slightly hesitant public speaking style while no epithets attached themselves to him – a rarity at the local authority.
His departure will certainly leave Highland Council a poorer place as Tain and Easter Ross readies for its third by-election in three years.
