Tributes have been paid to Councillor Ellen Morton, who passed away at the weekend.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:
“It is with huge sadness that we learned of the death of Councillor Ellen Morton. Ellen worked tirelessly to benefit Argyll and Bute. She brought energy and passion to the debating chamber, she was never afraid to speak her mind, and she focused unwaveringly on doing the best possible for our local communities. We will miss her. We send our heartfelt wishes to Ellen’s family, and most especially to our colleague, Councillor Aileen Morton at this very sad time.”
Ellen served as a councillor in Argyll and Bute for twenty one years.
Pippa Milne, Chief Executive said:
“Ellen was a councillor longer than many of us have worked for the council, so it’s difficult to imagine the council without her. Ellen never lost sight of the fact that things don’t just happen, that progress depends on the hard work and commitment of our employees; she worked closely with employees in services across the council. We will remember with gratitude Ellen’s drive for success. Our thoughts and warmest wishes are with Councillor Aileen Morton and wider family.”
During her time as a councillor, Ellen served as Depute Leader of the Council, as spokesperson for Education and sat on a number of council committees, including Social Work and Criminal Justice, and Licensing.
A particular interest for her was Economic Development and Infrastructure, and her most recent senior political role with the council was Policy Lead and later Depute Policy Lead for Roads, Infrastructure Services and Special Projects. She shared her expertise in this field outwith Argyll and Bute, serving as the first chair of the Northern Roads Collaboration established in 2018 to bring a number of Scottish councils together to explore innovation and potential for shared services and expertise.
Ellen also represented Argyll and Bute on a number of external organisations ranging from the Board of Scottish Legal Aid to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority Board.