We are sad to report that former Argyll and Bute Council leader Robin Currie has died.
A council spokesperson confirmed the news this afternoon (Thursday) , saying: “With great sadness we learned this morning of the sudden passing of Councillor Robin Currie.
“Robin served his beloved Islay, and Argyll and Bute more widely, for almost 40 years as a councillor with Argyll and Bute Council, and Argyll and Bute District Council before that.
“He held different roles during that time, contributing to policy and service delivery that supported life in Argyll and Bute in areas as vital as housing, Gaelic language and economic development
Cllr Currie represented the Kintyre and the Islands ward and took on policy lead roles, served as leader of the council from September 2020 to April 2024, and ultimately was one of the depute leaders of the council.
Councillor Jim Lynch, leader of Argyll and Bute Council: “I am shocked and extremely saddened by Robin’s passing. It feels almost impossible to imagine the council without him. He was devoted to Islay, and his huge wealth of local government experience served Argyll and Bute well in so many different ways.
“He was an inspiration in standing up for the interests of the area, of our islands and of different aspects of life that make Argyll and Bute the place he loved and believed in.
“He wanted the best for Argyll and Bute, and worked tirelessly to achieve that. Whatever challenges he took on in the interest of our communities, he could always be relied on to bring welcome humour to situations.
“For many reasons, Argyll and Bute owes Councillor Robin Currie heartfelt thanks.
“Robin – we thank you, for everything, and we’ll miss you.”
Council chief executive Pippa Milne said: “So much of Robin’s work was about raising Argyll and Bute’s interests at national level, but his focus always remained firmly on delivering benefit for our local communities. He cared about people and he cared about the council’s role in making life better for everyone. He will be greatly missed.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “It is devastating to learn of the passing of Robin Currie. He was a liberal and a proud islander who always sought to do what was right and get things done for his community.
“Robin’s decades of public service showed the mark of his character and he will be missed.”
