Tributes paid to two ‘stalwart’ senior officers

Councillors paid tribute to two outgoing Executive Directors at this week’s Full Council meeting.

Convener Harvey Johnston thanked Gillian Morrison, recently retired as Executive Director of Corporate Services, and Gavin Barr, Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, for their service to the Council, describing them as “two stalwart senior Executive Directors who have been part and parcel of every Council meeting I have attended for the last nine years - and even longer for many other members.”

“Gavin Barr moves to pastures new and Gillian Morrison retired, both after many years of exemplary service. They have both been absolute rocks, the cornerstones that any organisation requires for stability and as an example to others,” he added.

“They have always given total commitment and dedication and support to this Council and to Orkney.

“We have been massively privileged to have had the benefit of their expertise, their integrity, their wise counsel and indeed of their most excellent company over many years and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Councillor James Stockan took the opportunity as Chair of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee to thank Gillian for her work as both Executive Director of Corporate Services and as interim Chief Officer for Orkney Heath and Care.

He said: “Gillian joined the Council 20 years ago. Her fairness and her dedication cannot be underestimated - to this organisation, to its staff and also to the public of Orkney.

“Over the years she has gone well beyond the call of duty so many times - not long ago when we were really struggling to find a Chief Officer (for Orkney Health and Care) and she stepped in as interim Chief Officer to help us all through a very difficult period for the Council.

“We really need to pay huge tribute to that and thank her for all the effort that she's put in. I wish her well as she goes into retirement and thank her for all she's done.”

Councillor Rachel King, who has chaired the Integration Joint Board, said: "I'd extend the thanks of the Integration Joint Board to Gillian for all her hard work in stepping into the role of Chief Officer - we're extremely grateful."

Depute Leader, Councillor Leslie Manson, added his own thanks to both officers, saying: "As a former Executive Director colleague of both Gavin and Gillian and having worked alongside them as an Elected Member the last numbers of years, I would just echo all the praise that has headed their way in the last few days. They have both been really excellent servants to this Council. We'll be the poorer without them and I wish them both well into the future."