A councillor who continued to fight for constituents’ interests despite falling ill has died.
Highland Council members led tributes to Caol and Mallaig representative Billy MacLachlan, remarking on his “polite and caring nature” and the excellent work he has done in representing his local community;
Despite being unwell for some time, Mr MacLachlan was determined to represent his constituents.
Chair of the Lochaber Committee Andrew Baxter was among those who paid his condolences.
He said: “Billy was a popular, hard-working and conscientious councillor, who was very close to the community he served. He always provided a different perspective during our discussions, both locally and in Inverness, speaking with great common sense.
“Above all, despite his recent illness, he remained determined to represent the interests of his constituents even though his poor health made that extremely difficult for him at times.
“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and on behalf of my fellow councillors and all the staff of the Council, I would like to pass on our sincere sympathies and special thoughts to his family at this sad time.”
His latest endeavours included his re-election to Highland Council during the council elections last May, becoming one of three representatives for the Caol and Mallaig ward.
The convenor of the council Bill Lobban added: “Councillor MacLachlan will be sorely missed by his colleagues in Highland Council but most especially by his family and friends. He devoted a considerable part of his life to the people of his community and they will, no doubt, remember him fondly for his hard work and the way he supported them over the years.”
As well as serving as a member of the Highland Council since 2003, he also held a position on the on the Lochaber Committee.
The leader of the council’s SNP group, Councillor Maxine Smith said: “Billy was one of the loveliest, most respectful men I have ever known. He was hard working, polite, cared deeply about his constituents and Independence, having been a member of the SNP for decades. He was also a gentleman. I was very fond of him as a friend and colleague and the SNP Group in Highland Council will miss him greatly. “
SNP MSP Kate Forbes also expressed condolences for the passing of her SNP councillor on Twitter yesterday saying: “I’m really sorry to hear of Councillor Billy MacLachlan’s passing. He served his community in Lochaber, the @HighlandCouncil and the @theSNP with warmth and dignity for decades. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Alongside being a representative for his local community as a councillor, Mr MacLachlan was also a former shinty player for Lochaber, Glenorchy and Tayforth;
Taking on roles including being a member of the committee, a referee and a match assessor for the club during his time at Lochaber Camanachd Shinty Club.
