Provost of Perth and Kinross Council Dennis Melloy has revealed he will “step into retirement” after having served as a councillor for 15 years.
Conservative Party representative Melloy has stood for the Strathmore ward for over three terms but was not re-elected for the area at the council elections last week.
The result was seen as a surprise and a major scalp for the SNP who increased their seats in the area by one to two.
Perthshire North SNP MSP John Swinney said winning the popular vote in Strathmore was “an absolutely astounding result”.
Fellow Conservative Hugh Anderson was elected ahead of Mr Melloy, as was former Tory, now Independent, Colin Stewart.
Chosen as provost five years ago, Mr Melloy hoped to improve economic development in towns like Alyth and Coupar Angus, as well as improve road safety in places such as Guildtown, Balbeggie, Burrelton and Meigle.
But following his unsuccessful re-election campaign, Mr Melloy paid tribute to all those who have supported him during his tenure.
“It has been a great pleasure to serve as Conservative councillor for the Strathmore ward these past 15 years,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me during my three terms of office.
“I have many wonderful memories which I will look back on fondly.
“Being elected as provost five years ago was a proud moment for me as I have had the privilege to have met so many wonderful people from all walks of life and I have always appreciated the warm welcome I have received.
“I have lost count of the hundreds of speeches I have made, the many different events I have attended, although these past two years have been difficult for us all with COVID, lockdown and restrictions but our communities have all gathered round and supported each other.
“I hope that I have fulfilled my civic duties throughout Perth and Kinross to everyone’s satisfaction and I wish my successor a happy term of office.
“To the incoming councillors, of all parties, my congratulations on being elected and I wish you best wishes for the future as I step into retirement and hopefully some golf.”
Dennis lives with his wife Libby near Alyth, and together they run a successful cattery business.
