Council HQ flags at half mast following Joanna Strathdee’s death

Flags at Aberdeenshire Council HQ have been lowered to half mast following the death of one of its longest serving councillors.

Joanna Strathdee died last night after battling cancer for several years.

She had continued to serve her ward of Huntly, Strathbogie and the Howe of Alford right to the end.

Born on a farm near Huntly the SNP councillor was elected as a local member for her local area in 1999.

She served as the political party’s Aberdeenshire group leader from 2007 until 2010.

Three flags at the council’s base of operations, Woodhill House – including a saltire and a union jack – have been lowered as a mark of respect.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday paid tribute to Mrs Starthdee saying “we will miss here”.

She is survived by her two daughters and her husband.

Flags being lowered at our HQ, honouring Cllr Joanna Strathdee, who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/LEGYIXQ5iy

— AberdeenshireCouncil (@Aberdeenshire) August 24, 2015

Joanna Strathdee passed away earlier this evening. She was a great friend, a star & will be sorely missed by all pic.twitter.com/9G3qyTPOej

— Kevin Stewart SNP (@KevinStewartSNP) August 23, 2015