Tributes paid after shock death of Highland councillor

TRIBUTES have been paid after the shock death of a Highland councillor.

Alasdair Rhind, who had served five terms as an independent on Highland Council since 1999, passed “suddenly” on Thursday aged 65. Highland Council convener Bill Lobban said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Alasdair.

“Not only will we miss his extensive experience and countenance at Council meetings – as a figurehead in his local community his passing will be a deep loss to many.

“Alasdair was committed to serving his community not just as a councillor but in many other ways.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Rhind (above), from Tain, was a councillor in the Tain and Easter Ross ward. He was known locally for Alasdair Rhind Funeral Director business, which was founded in 1993.

The LibDem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Jamie Stone, also paid tribute.

“I was desperately shocked when I heard of Alastair’s most untimely death,” the MP said.

"It seems like only the other day that it was my great honour to have Alasdair and Mandy to lunch in the House of Commons.

"He was incredibly hard working and a big friend to Tain. He did a very great deal for the town and the wider Easter Ross area. He will be a huge loss to us all. My heart goes out to Mandy and his family. I shall miss him."

Stone added: “Alasdair was a man of his own mind. While some people did not always agree with him, not one single person could argue with the fact he had the kindest of hearts.

“If someone rattled a bucket in front of him, whatever the cause, Alasdair would always dig deep.

“In many ways I can think of no finer epitaph.”