Perth and Kinross provost John Hulbert this week announced he will be standing down from his post in May.
Dr Hulbert (72), who is also one of the councillors for the Carse of Gowrie ward, has decided it is time for someone else to take over the reins as provost prior to this year’s local council elections on May 3.
He became a councillor in 1995 and was voted provost following the last local council elections in 2007.
Instrumental in promoting the Perth City Status bid, Dr Hulbert is well known in the Carse of Gowrie, having lived in Longforgan since 1979 and being a member of Longforgan Parish Church.
He told The Courier he has enjoyed his time as a councillor and latterly as provost.
”I will be very sad to go I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 17 years,” he said. ”My time as a local councillor has been very rewarding, and quite different to my previous job and I have been particularly privileged to be provost.
”There will be a big hole in my life come May but I always made it clear I would not run again. Being provost is a busy job it’s time for me to hand over the reins to someone new.”
He added: ”I am sure whoever takes over from me will do an excellent job and I wish them all the best.
”I am disappointed that I will not be in the position of provost when Her Majesty The Queen visits Perth in July. However, it is an exciting time for Perth and Kinross.”
Councillor Peter Mulheron will also be standing down before the council elections.
Also a resident of Longforgan, he has served on many boards including Tayside Fire and Rescue Board and Tayside Joint Police Board, as well as being an experienced councillor. He served the Carse of Gowrie for 20 years.
With both SNP politicians standing down, this paves the way for two new candidates who will fight the Carse of Gowrie ward.
Douglas Pover, from Kinfauns, and Gordon Walker, from Errol, will replace Dr Hulbert and Councillor Mulheron.
Mr Pover is well-known in the area for his youth work with the Army Cadet Force throughout Perth and Kinross.
He was awarded an MBE in 1995 for his service to the cadets and his work in the community.
Mr Walker has been active in the SNP for over 14 years and has been branch convener for much of that time.
He has taught in schools in Dundee and Perth and Kinross for 34 years and is a principal teacher in Blairgowrie High School.