A veteran Paisley Liberal Democrat councillor is set to retire after 34 years of service to the town.
Eileen McCartin was first elected onto Renfrew District Council back in 1988 as a representative for the Stanely ward - which included Meikleriggs, Corsebar and Stanely - and has continued to stand up for constituents across the wider Paisley Southwest area since 2007.
But she has announced she will be stepping down ahead of this year's local election in May insisting it is time for her to "make way for younger and fitter councillors".
In recent years, Eileen has flown the flag for the Liberal Democrats as the party's sole elected member in Renfrewshire and has stood in both Scottish and general elections.
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She said being on the council had been a privilege and she is particularly proud of the contribution she has made to decision-making on climate change over the course of her final term.
"There comes a time when you must recognise that it's time to go, to make way for younger and fitter councillors," said Councillor McCartin.
"It has been my life's privilege to represent my area for 34 years.
"I have represented my area in the same way as other Liberal Democrats have done the length and breadth of Scotland by being local, working on local issues, and ensuring local people have the right to good representation.
"I also feel I have made some contribution to the wider representation within the council.
"One of my most positive recent contributions was in bringing forward the council's climate change activities, in particular the agreement by the council to aim for a carbon-neutral target of 2030, not 2045 or 2050 as our respective government targets are.
"I'd like to thank all my residents for the help I have had from them over these years. It's been humbling.”
The Scottish Government is aiming for a net-zero goal of 2045 while Westminster has a target of 2050.
Eileen has been a member of the climate change sub-committee - which was formed after the council declared a climate emergency in 2019 - and has consistently pushed for bold moves from officers to ensure Renfrewshire reaches its far more ambitious target.
Independent councillor Andy Doig has stood with Eileen on a number of issues in recent years given the pair have held the balance of power in the chamber under a minority SNP administration.
He said she had made an "outstanding" contribution to Renfrewshire.
"Eileen has been a great beacon in Renfrewshire over the last 40 years which includes periods in the late 80s when the Lib Dems were in the ascendancy and times when they were not," added Andy.
"She has shown tremendous loyalty to her political beliefs and the public have respected her for that.
"She has been an exceptional councillor over the years and has been very passionate about the cultural regeneration of Paisley.
"Eileen has made an outstanding contribution to civil life in Renfrewshire."
The Lib Dem group is currently in the process of finalising candidates for the local election and these will be announced in the coming weeks.
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