South Ayrshire Council News

Gibson T. Macdonald, aged 74, former Leader of South Ayrshire Council, and previously Provost of Kyle and Carrick District Council, has died following an illness.

After completing 35 years in local government, Gibson stood down from the council prior to the May elections earlier this year. He had represented people in South Ayrshire in a number of positions within Ayr Burgh Council, Kyle and Carrick District Council and South Ayrshire Council.

Gibson’s funeral will take place at 2 pm on Thursday 1 November 2007 at St Andrews Church, Park Circus, Ayr.

The following tributes have been paid to Gibson by members of the Council:

Councillor Hugh Hunter, the Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “I am sure that many people will pay tribute to Gibson’s achievements and the contribution that he has made to the lives of people in South Ayrshire. I have lost a colleague and a close friend, and I will miss his support and guidance.”

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan said: "I worked with Gibson for many years as a member of this Council, I learned a lot from him and he gave me great support, for which I will always be grateful. Importantly, Gibson was a close friend and one who I will miss tremendously. In true Gibson fashion he fought his illness head on, and remained positive to the end."

Douglas Campbell, Leader of the Labour Group said: “Gibson’s passing is a sad loss to the community - he was an ambassador for Ayr and he worked hard for his local community. At times like these you put the politics and disagreements aside and think of the good times we shared. My sympathies are with his family and friends.

Councillor Nan McFarlane, Leader of the SNP Group said: “Gibson gave willingly of his time to pursue the causes that he thought were right. He will be sadly missed by many and my thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time.”

Brian Connolly, Independent Councillor said: “I am only in my second term of office as a Councillor, but after I was elected, until the time Gibson retired, he always found time to make me feel very welcome and to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience of the Council. He taught me a lot and I will remember him with affection.”