Lib Dems led tributes to "wise" and "tireless" councillor

Councillor Robin Currie’s death was announced by the local authority on Thursday, May 9.

 

He had represented the Liberal Democrats in the Kintyre and the Islands ward since 2007, and had been an elected councillor for more than 40 years.

 

He was the only councillor on the authority who had been there when Argyll and Bute Council was established in 1995.

 

He was leader from 2020 to 2024, and had only recently been made joint deputy leader of the council alongside Dunoon SNP Councillor Audrey Forrest.

 

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.”

 

Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael, who has represented Orkney and Shetland since 2001, said: “This is very shocking and sad news. Robin Currie was a lovely man and totally committed to his work as a councillor, in particular to serving the people of Islay.

 

“He was recruited to the Liberal Party by the late Ray Michie before she was elected as MP for Argyll and Bute, and I remember his early campaigns when my mother was his election agent.

 

“Robin was a tireless and passionate campaigner for his community and the causes about which he cared. But he managed to do it in a way that brought people together rather than divided them.

 

“In his recent time as leader of the council, he demonstrated that he was a skilled and effective political operator and negotiator.

 

“That he continued to be re-elected for nearly 40 years speaks for itself as a tribute to the work he did.

 

“He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues across Scotland but nowhere more so than in Islay.”

 

Former Lib Dem MP for Argyll and Bute, Alan Reid added: "I was shocked and saddened by Robin Currie’s sudden death. He was a valued friend and a wise counsel when I was an MP and councillor.

 

"He was always passionate about serving his local community of Kintyre and the islands.

 

"He devoted a lot of energy to promoting the Gaelic language, and during his many years as lead councillor for housing he delivered programmes to build affordable houses in communities where there was a shortage of available housing.

 

"He led Argyll & Bute Council very ably through four difficult years. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

 

Councillor Currie’s fellow Liberal Democrat councillors have also paid tribute, with Dunoon Councillor Ross Moreland saying: “Everyone was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing on Thursday of Robin.

 

“He had chaired a meeting of the new administration partnership and was in his usual witty, humorous, and insightful form.

 

“Robin had been a councillor for nearly 40 years and had always served his home island of Islay and Argyll and Bute with determination and courage.

 

“He was never afraid to take the necessary tough decisions, work across the political spectrum or to stand up to central government, all to try and get the best deal for the people of Argyll and Bute, and make the area he loved a place where people would be proud to live and work.

 

“The vital role that Robin played while leader of the council in securing Levelling Up funding for Argyll and Bute is a tribute to his determination to deliver for his area.

 

“I only had the privilege of working with Robin for two years, but I will always be grateful for the help and guidance he gave me since I was elected. Along with all my fellow councillors, I will miss his experience, intelligence, and vision.

 

“However mostly it will be his witty and dry sense of humour and friendship he offered to all his colleagues, even in the most difficult times that will be missed the most. The council chamber simply won’t be the same without him.”

 

The party’s Helensburgh Central councillor Graham Hardie said: “I was terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Robin Currie. I knew him for eight years and he was a genuine, kind and compassionate man who knew his job as a councillor extremely well. He will be deeply missed by many.”

 

Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Paul Kennedy added: “It was with great sadness that I learnt yesterday of the passing of Robin.

 

“Although I only met him when elected, some two years ago, he was somewhat of a fatherly figure to me in the political arena.

 

“Robin was always available to give thoughtful advice and prudent enough to take the time to think out the consequences of any actions taken.

 

“Robin will be a great loss, not only to myself, but to the council and the people of Argyll and Bute.”

 

Councillors across the political parties have also taken to social media to pay tribute.

 

Former Provost Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) said: “I am very sorry indeed to hear the sad news about the late Robin Currie, whom I worked with since 2012 when I first joined the council.

 

“I found him to be an immensely able councillor who was very well experienced over the years in council work, and in particular his great efforts with our island and rural communities, as well as with the housing issues we faced throughout the council.

 

“Robin was always a very approachable person and always dignified. I enjoyed working with him when I was elected Provost two years ago, and when he was also re-elected as leader of the council.

 

“Robin’s passion was Islay, and indeed he fought very strongly for all matters on Islay, and never let us forget where his passion lay.

 

“He will be sorely missed for his expertise in council work and representing the council.

 

“He has left a very positive mark on the council and we are very sorry to lose him so suddenly. My condolences go to his family and friends, and we are thinking of them at this time.”

 

Councillor Julie McKenzie (SNP, Oban North and Lorn) said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Councillor Robin Currie. Robin dedicated much of his life to serving Argyll and Bute and her people.

 

“He was always prepared to listen, and often rose above the cut and thrust of local politics with humour, a kind word and a smile. He will be greatly missed from our council.”

 

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess (SNP, Helensburgh and Lomond South) added: “I’m so very saddened to learn this. I was talking and joking with him only a few days ago.

 

“My thoughts and condolences go to his family, colleagues and community, who he served so very well for so many years. RIP Robin.”

 

A fellow councillor for the Kintyre and the Islands ward, Alastair Redman (Ind), also from Islay, said: "It is difficult to fathom the council without his presence. Robin’s dedication to Islay and his vast experience in local government greatly benefited Argyll and Bute in numerous ways. 

 

"Robin was hardworking and passionate about local ward issues and had great relations with his constituents and worked hard with local community councils to improve our local area.  

 

"He was truly an inspiration when it came to representing the interests of our area, the islands, and the various aspects of life that make our community of Argyll and Bute the cherished place it is.

 

"I deeply enjoyed working with Robin as a fellow ward councillor and I always had huge respect and admiration for him  

 

"Robin consistently strived for the best for the Kintyre and the Islands ward and the wider Argyll and Bute area, working tirelessly to achieve it.  

 

"He was second to none at putting aside political and personal difference to work with others for the common good. 

 

"He genuinely cared about people and understood the vital role that the council played in improving the lives of everyone. 

 

"Younger councillors like myself looked up to Robin and sought out his advice from his vast experience on may occasions.   

 

"Robin’s many decades of public service truly reflected his character, and his absence will be deeply felt. He will be missed by us all."

 

Councillor Currie’s funeral will be held at St. Kiaran’s Church, Port Charlotte, on Thursday May 16 at 11.30am, with refreshments afterwards at Port Mor Community Café, a community enterprise he was instrumental in getting going.