A full council meeting of Orkney Islands Council this week saw a minute’s silence held for two former councillors.
Current members paid tribute to the late George Marwick CVO and the late Freddie Groundwater.
Council convener Graham Bevan began the meeting by asking his council colleagues to join him in tribute.
He said: “I would like to take time this morning before we start the main business, to pay tribute to two past members who have passed away recently.”
In early September, the former Lord Lieutenant and council convener George Marwick passed away.
George Marwick became a councillor in the first election to Orkney Islands council, which was heard on the 7th of May 1974.
“This was part of the wider 1974 Scottish Regional elections. He held the position of council convener from 1974 to 1978.
George Marwick: Convener and Lord Lieutenant
“Following that, George became deputy lord lieutenant for Orkney in 1976.
“He became vice lord lieutenant in 1995 before becoming lord lieutenant for the period 1997 to 2007.
“George Marwick served in office as lord lieutenant, as convener of the council – one of only two people to do so in this county.
“He was a much-respected farmer and a proud citizen.
“He will be remembered with great fondness and gratitude by the community he loved.”
Mr Bevan went on to pay tribute to the late Freddie Groundwater, who he said also passed away in early September.
Mr Bevan said: “Freddie was a councillor from 1996 to 2003, representing communities in Stromness and Sandwick areas
“During his time with the council, he served as vice-chair of the economic development committee, chair of the roads and environments services committee and chair of the monitoring and audit committee.
“Freddie had also been an employee of the council from 1963 to 1978.
“He worked in various roles including as the administrative officer in the former department of administration.
Former Orkney councillor was ‘strong advocate for his local constituents’
“This was before moving on to a role in Flotta as deputy in administration, training, and external relationships with Occidental.
“Freddie also served diligently on the board of NHS Orkney – something I knew he took great pride in.
Mr Bevan called Mr Groundwater “a strong advocate for his local constituents.
He also said he was active in supporting football, golf, the Boys’ Brigade and his local church.
The council said he gave “wise council to Orkney Islands Council and NHS Orkney.”
He added: “Our thoughts are with both families as we acknowledge their immense contributions to the Orkney community.
“I ask that we take a minute’s silence to reflect on the lives of George Marwick and Freddie Groundwater.”
Conversation