Working behind the counter of Inverurie institution Mitchells Dairy, Judy Whyte became one of the most well-kent faces in town.
Visitors to the tearoom and grocery shop would regularly ask Judy about the latest developments while popping in for a cup of tea.
The mum would often have to tell her customers that, despite being something of a font of local knowledge, she was “nothing to do with the council”.
The reply she often got was: “I wish you were”.
Judy told us how that “triggered a thought” that would change her life…
In 2017 she was voted in as an independent councillor for Inverurie.
And after being re-elected a fortnight ago, today Judy became the region’s second female provost in decades.
‘It’s a real honour – and very much a surprise!’
A chartered surveyor by trade, she moved back to her hometown from Aberdeen to run the family business alongside husband Keith and her dad, Patrick Mitchell.
And as someone with an avid interest in local democracy, she always held the local provost “in very high esteem” over the years.
But she never dreamed she would one day end up wearing the ceremonial gold chains herself.
“It never even crossed my mind I would end up being provost,” she told us outside the council’s Woodhill House headquarters.
“It is a real honour – and very much a surprise!
“Being a figurehead for Aberdeenshire at events is something I have always admired.”
Judy Whyte becoming provost could help redress gender imbalance
Much has been said about the lack of women in local politics, with men representing 66% of councillors serving between 2017 and 2022.
Earlier this month, Nicola Sturgeon spoke about the difficulties in getting women to stand for election.
Judy hopes being the second provost since Aberdeenshire Council was formed in 1996 could make help spur some change.
“I hope that me being in this position may be inspirational for some other people,” she said.
“I do think the council has got broader, more diverse representation, but there is always room for improvement.
“And maybe me being in this role will help with that.”
New provost Judy Whyte on keeping party politics out of the council
Judy is also hoping to act as a role model for people looking to enter local democracy purely to stand up for their communities.
She added: “You don’t have to be out there looking for a career in politics.
“I didn’t stand for any political party, and I’m not a member of any.
“My motivation was to do what I could for Inverurie, for Aberdeenshire… And to help people.”
Mitchells Dairy closed after 90 years in the heart of Inverurie in October 2017.
The family blamed the economic downturn and “changing shopping habits” of consumers.
‘Love of community is in my blood’
Much in the same way she joined the family firm, the Inverurie mum followed in her father’s footsteps by getting involved in community life.
Judy said: “I have grown up being very involved in community life, my family has always been part of local groups and carried out fundraising.
“My dad was an inspiration in that respect, he was founder and president of the rugby and swimming clubs.
“When we had our children, my husband and I joined parent groups, and through work we got involved with the Inverurie Business Association.
“It was just in my blood to be involved in the community.”
As provost, Judy will act as the “ceremonial head” of the local authority – meeting visiting dignitaries, hosting functions and attending external events.
Conservative councillor for Westhill, Ron McKail, was elected as deputy provost.
Learn more about the role here.
