Tributes paid to long-serving councillor and ex-provost

Tributes have been paid to one of Dumfries and Galloway's longest-serving councillors and former provost of Dumfries who has died.

Depute council leader Katie Hagmann told a full meeting of the local authority that they had recently received the "sad news" of the death of Kenny Cameron.

He was returned by voters on numerous occasions and spent a total of 42 years in local government in the region.

It also included three spells as provost of Dumfries before his retirement in 2007. He received an OBE for his services to local government in 1997.

He served on many committees over the years - including chairman of the police committee - and represented the region at events in the UK and abroad.

He was an honorary president of Dumfries' Guid Nychburris summer celebrations and served on Locharbriggs and Heathhall community councils.

In addition, he was chairman of the Children's 1st Dumfries Action Group for 20 years and the first chairman of the Locharbriggs Community Centre – among many other achievements and community service.

"I would like to pass on, on behalf of the council, my heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult and sad time," added Hagmann.

Chairman of the Guid Nychburris Festival Association John Caskie said: "Kenny loved his community in Locharbriggs and Heathhall but also, and more so, the town of Dumfries.

"In his role as provost, or 'the people's provost', as he was affectionately known, Kenny undertook the duties as president of the Guid Nychburris Association with much flair and dedication.

"Personally it was Kenny who got me involved, inviting me to be a ceremonial baillie in 2007.

"And every year since - until his failing health prevented him - Kenny would personally call and wish me well for the year ahead's proceedings."

He said the festival had benefitted from the ex-provost's popularity and he had been in their thoughts on Wednesday night as they officially launched the event "he loved and was a very big part of over many years".

For anyone of a certain age, Kenny Cameron was one of the most recognisable faces of local government in Dumfries and Galloway across more than four decades.

His wit and wisdom lit up often dreary council committee meetings with a quip delivered with his own distinctive turn of phrase and a glint in his eye.

He always fought the corner of the area he represented and became synonymous with Dumfries across Scotland and beyond in his civic role as provost.

Indeed, that will be the lasting image of Kenny Cameron for many - in his robes and chains of office during Guid Nychburris celebrations in the town.