Tributes paid to long-serving Argyll and Bute councillor Robin Currie who died 'suddenly'

Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Argyll and Bute councillor who died “suddenly.”

The death of Scottish Liberal Democrats councillor Robin Currie, who served the wards of Kintyre and the Islands, was announced by the council on Thursday.

He was previously council leader from September 2020 until last month, and most recently served as policy lead for economic development, islands and rural communities and housing.

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.”

Pippa Milne, council chief executive, 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.”

Jenni Minto, SNP MSP for Argyll and Bute said on X: “It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Cllr Robin Currie, the deputy leader of Argyll & Bute Council.

“An Islay man through and through, Robin served his island and the wider community of Argyll for nearly 40 years.

“He was a Councillor for Kintyre and the Islands, the ward in which I live, and his absence from Islay – which he did so much for – will be deeply felt across the community.”

Brendan O’Hara, SNP MP said: “Really shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of deputy leader of Council Cllr. Robin Currie.

“Robin served his beloved Islay community for many, many years, most recently as the member for Kintyre and the Islands.

“Deepest condolences to his family and friends.”