Ron – the 'Moray legend'
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WARM tributes were paid today to Ron Shepherd who is retiring from Moray Council after 20 years representing the Keith and Cullen ward.
Leading the accolades was George Alexander (Forres, Independent) who said: "This Friday will be a momentous day in the life of our friend and fellow councillor Ron Shepherd, known to us all as Ron, as he has decided to retire as a Moray councillor.
"Ron was first elected in 1999, a time when councillors were unpaid and could only have their expenses reimbursed.
"Ron was no newcomer to public service for he had already served as a justice of the peace for some 10 years.
"In his 20 years an an elected representative Ron has been an exemplary servant to his local community – a veritable Mr Cullen.
"Ron lives in his ward and has always been accessible to offer advice and support to those who called upon him for help.
"He has always kept abreast of what was happening in his ward and I've no doubt he will continue to do so when he retires.
"Ron did not need the help of a party ticket to win support in any election and his representation as an honest, hard-working and conscientious councillor ensured his continued re-election.
"Having shared office space with Ron for the past seven years I have got used to him bursting into song when things were going well, and he always had a good stock of chocolate biscuits – which he would occasionally share.
"Sadly, Ron has been unable to attend meetings recently as he has lost some of his mobility, and it is due to this problem that he has decided to step aside and let someone else take his place.
"A less honourable man could have decide to see out his time until 2021 and just get wheeled into a couple of meetings every year, but there is no way he would stoop so low.
"Ron has been a first-class councillor with an excellent record of attendance at the meetings of the many councillors on which he has served over the years. He has found the past few weeks very frustrating.
"The decision he has taken has been very difficult for Ron because he loves the job and he hates to think he will be letting his community down.
"I will address my last sentence to Ron himself because I suspect that he will be watching this webcast.
"Be assured Ron you have been a great public servant and you can step back with pride and a great sense of satisfaction.
"Sit back, relax and enjoy another Macallan."
The council's leader Graham Leadbitter echoed these sentiments and went on to refer to cllr Shepherd as a "well-kent face".
Cllr Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) added: "Since I was elected back in 2007 Ron has always been there as a councillor.
"I've had very many enjoyable chats with Ron over the years.
"I'll miss him around the council as, I'm sure, will very many other people.
"I wish him all the best in a very long retirement."
Jon Diver (Elgin South, Labour) said: "Ron and myself both came onto the council in 1999.
"It's fair to say that Ron and myself formed a friendship very early on which has last to this day.
"We still have contact and I've been going through to see him. I'm sure when I go down on Monday we shall have some laughs again."
Tim Eagle (Buckie, Conservative) said: "There's not much I can add really – I was a bit late to the party with Ron, coming into the party in 2017
"I was 17 years-old, not even old enough to drink, when he began serving this community
"The man is a legend and a lovely chap. I join with the others in wishing him a very happy retirement."
