Minute's silence for former Vice Convener George Stevenson

Orkney Islands Councillors observed a minute’s silence at today’s Special General Meeting in memory of George Stevenson, one of Orkney Islands Council’s first Councillors, who passed away in August.

Introducing the minute’s silence Convener Harvey Johnston said: “I would like to remind members of the death last month of the late George Stevenson formerly of Midhouse, Costa and latterly of Carmidel in Finstown.

“George was an Islands Councillor from 1973 to 1990. He was in the first Islands Council - the formation of the new local authority for Orkney.

“He was our first Vice Convener and held the position from 1973 to 1986, a total of 13 years. This must have made him a Vice Convener in his early forties.

“He was also Chair of Education from '76 to '78, and Chair of Harbours from '78 to '83. He was a force to be reckoned with and a major player in the development of Orkney Islands Council - right through the coming of oil and the economic growth of Orkney through the 70's and the 80's.

“We send our condolences of course to his widow Sarah and his family."