The Highland Council pays tribute to former Highland Councillor Charlie King who has sadly passed away.
Convener of The Highland Councill, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of Charlie’s passing. On behalf of Members and staff of The Highland Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He was held in high regard by all who knew and worked with him.”
Charlie was elected as an Independent Councillor to serve The Highland Council Lochaber Ward in 1995 and during his tenure served as the Chairman of the Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee. Charlie was also the first Chairman of HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership) when it was established in its modern form in April 2006.
Councillor Thomas MacLennan (Councillor for the Fort William and Ardnamurchan Ward) paid tribute and said: “Charlie King’s contribution as a Highland Councillor to the Mallaig area and the Small Isles was immense, new roads, harbours, community buy outs this list could go and on, he made sure the people who elected him were heard and got their fair share, such was his standing in the community he was often re-elected unopposed.”
Cllr MacLennan continued: “Charlie was a devoted family man and an excellent Chair of many important organisations such as the Mallaig Harbour Authority, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and the major strategic TEC Committee at Highland Council HQ, no matter how contentious the debate he would keep order quietly and effectively.
“For me it was a privilege to serve alongside Charlie for four years and what he achieved and the difference he made as Councillor for his area should serve as a benchmark for Councillors to aim for.”