A well-known Perth councillor who was a former St Johnstone player and has represented the city for 12 years is set to retire.
Jack Coburn is currently one of the representatives of the Perth City Centre ward but he feels that now is the right time to leave local politics.
The SNP politician has been receiving treatment for an illness and also wishes to spend more time with his wife Penny and their extended family.
Mr Coburn told The Courier that the decision to retire was a difficult one to make but the correct one.
“I will be standing down within the next month or two months,” he said.
“I have had talks with Councillor Ian Miller, leader of the council. Usually after a day, I feel ‘goosed’ when I get home.
“And my wife has said she feels it is about time I slowed down but that doesn’t go with my name.”
Mr Coburn said he served 12 years as a councillor and spent 14 years prior to that with Perth and Kinross Council’s environment service. He said he “really enjoyed” his time as a councillor, describing it as “a privilege”.
“It has been a pleasure, sometimes challenging but most of all, an honour to serve the people of Perth and Kinross,” he added.
“However, my health has not been the best over the last year or so and this has led me to reassess my priorities.”
He continued: “One of the highlights of my time has been a city centre councillor because there are a lot of things to be done within that area.
“To get the city back (through city status) was absolutely brilliant. I’ll always take a look at what is happening in and around the city centre.”
He continued: “Another highlight was my involvement with the Cittaslow movement and also with one of Perth’s twin towns, Aschaffenburg. I am the councillor with the responsibility for Aschaffenburg and my wife is the chairwoman of Friends of Aschaffenburg, which will keep going.”
Mr Coburn said he always had good rapport with “all the councillors”.
“I’ve never had a bad word with any councillor they all have their bit to play no matter what political persuasion they are,” he added.
Mr Miller said Mr Coburn’s experience will be “missed by all.”
“My first recollection of Jack goes back to his days as a footballer with St Johnstone,” he said.
“I remember watching Jack and his brother Billy from the Muirton Park terraces.
“Since then, he has had a varied career and I met him again in his role with the environment service. Jack then went on to become a Perth city centre councillor and has served with distinction in that role.”
Pete Wishart, MP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, praised Mr Coburn, saying: “From his younger days as a footballer with St Johnstone, to his time on the council, Jack has always had goals in mind and a determination to tackle important issues.
“Jack has long been a source of advice, encouragement and inspiration for myself and others and I would like to publicly thank Jack for his contribution to Perth over the years and to wish him all the best for a very happy retirement.”