Tributes have been paid to Angus Provost Helen Oswald who has lost her battle with cancer.
Mrs Oswald was first elected to Angus Council in 1999 and became Provost of Angus in 2012.
Earlier this summer the Carnoustie SNP councillor announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2015.
Leader of the council Iain Gaul led the tributes.
He said: “Since Helen was diagnosed with terminal cancer she has behaved with courage, dignity and a desire to continue to be the best she could be.
“Nobody who knew her was surprised at this, as that is the mark of the woman she was.
“Angus has lost a distinguished and well-respected Provost.
“The Carnoustie area has lost a hard-working councillor.
“I have lost a well-loved friend.”
Speaking on behalf of council colleagues, chief executive Richard Stiff said: “Helen always showed genuine and heart-felt concern for the issues brought to her.
“She championed the needs of constituents and ensured that their voices were heard and their views listened to.
“As Provost, Helen was the ultimate ambassador for Angus.
“She radiated enormous pride in the county and its people, and used her role to celebrate and recognise the achievements of local people in all walks of life.
“Helen was an outstanding Provost and will be long remembered.
“Helen was also very proud of and grounded in her family.
“At this sad time my thoughts and those of all the staff at Angus Council are with her husband Ed, and their family.”
* For more on this story, including tributes from across the political spectrum, see Friday’s Courier, also available as a digital edition.
