A by-election will be held in the next few weeks to fill the seat left vacant by the sudden and tragic death of a veteran councillor.
Moray Council took the unusual step of announcing the process to replace Joe Mackay yesterday – despite a delay in arranging his funeral because a police inquiry into his death is still ongoing.
The 86-year-old died earlier this month after he was run down by his own mobility scooter.
He had been showing his new machine to his daughter, Margaret, when he accidentally turned the throttle and it lurched forward and knocked him down.
It is understood a post-mortem examination was requested by police as the death has been classed as a road accident – meaning it could take several weeks before his family can hold a service.
The local authority said that in order to comply with local government law – which gives the returning officer 35 working days to fill a vacancy – the election process must start now.
Returning Officer for Moray, Mark Palmer, said Mr Mackay’s loved ones had been consulted and were fully supportive of the move.
“Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and we are very aware that they have not yet been able to finalise arrangements for the funeral service,” he said.
“Unfortunately strict time scales governed by law must be observed in regard to elections, and we have to start the election process now to comply.”
Candidate nominations will open early in February and polling to find a new councillor will take place on Thursday, March 26, with the count and declaration held the following day at Fishermen’s Hall.
Polling stations will open at the Function Hall at Buckpool Golf Club, Buckie Methodist Church Hall, North Church Hall, Royal British Legion Hall, Portessie Methodist Church Hall and Town Hall, Findochty.
Mr Palmer said he was grateful to Mr Mackay’s family for understanding why action to fill the vacancy had to be taken now.
He said: “I would like to thank all of Cllr Mackay’s family for their understanding of the situation, they know they have the condolences of all at Moray Council.
“We were all saddened by Cllr Mackay’s sudden death, he was well-liked and respected by staff at the council.”
A retired fishing skipper, Mr Mackay served on the council for more than a decade and was held in high esteem by his colleagues.
Fiercely independent, he had ordered the scooter to help him get around his home town of Buckie.
Following the incident on January 11, he insisted he was fine and initially refused to go to hospital.
When he did seek medical attention he was told he had fractured his wrist and pelvis.
Speaking after his death, his 60-year-old daughter, Margaret, said her father was upbeat when she went to visit him in hospital, but 24 hours later his family were called to his bedside and he died the same night.
“One minute he was laughing and joking, and the next minute that was it,” she said.
“He was very, very frail and weak, and he just didn’t have the energy to fight off the infection.”
Shocked colleagues and friends spoke of their sadness at his death, and paid tribute to a man described as a “distinguished public servant” who was “very kind, generous and genuine”.
He “lived and breathed” the Buckie fishing port throughout his life and was named Citizen of the Year in 2004 for cleaning out the Buckie Burn single-handedly.
He also gave his name to the Joe Mackay Award, presented to the high school’s brightest student each year.