Tributes have been paid to a former depute leader of Argyll and Bute Council, who died after an illness.
Helensburgh-based Ellen Morton served as a councillor for 21 years.
Her daughter Aileen Morton, also a member of the local authority, stood down as council leader in the weeks prior to her mother’s death at the weekend.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “It is with huge sadness that we learned of the death of Councillor Ellen Morton. Ellen worked tirelessly to benefit Argyll and Bute. She brought energy and passion to the debating chamber, she was never afraid to speak her mind, and she focused unwaveringly on doing the best possible for our local communities. We will miss her. We send our heartfelt wishes to Ellen’s family, and most especially to our colleague, Councillor Aileen Morton at this very sad time.”
Pippa Milne, chief executive, said: “Ellen was a councillor longer than many of us have worked for the council, so it’s difficult to imagine the council without her. Ellen never lost sight of the fact that things don’t just happen, that progress depends on the hard work and commitment of our employees; she worked closely with employees in services across the council. We will remember with gratitude Ellen’s drive for success. Our thoughts and warmest wishes are with Councillor Aileen Morton and wider family.”
During her time as a councillor, Ellen Morton served as depute leader of the council, as spokeswoman for education and sat on a number of council committees, including social work and criminal justice, and licensing.
Economic development and infrastructure was a particular interest, and her most recent senior political role with the council was policy lead and later depute policy lead for roads, infrastructure services and special projects.
She shared her expertise in this field outwith Argyll and Bute, serving as the first chairwoman of the Northern Roads Collaboration established in 2018 to bring a number of Scottish councils together to explore innovation and potential for shared services and expertise.
Ellen Morton also represented Argyll and Bute on an number of external organisations ranging from the Board of Scottish Legal Aid to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority Board.