New OIC education committee chairman appointed

Orkney Islands Councillor Steven Heddle has been appointed chairman of the council’s education and leisure committee, following the untimely death of Councillor John Eccles.

Nominated by Councillor Allan Leslie and seconded by Councillor Jimmy Moar, there were no other names put forward at today’s full council meeting.

Councillor Leslie said: “He has been a very able deputy and I think he deserves a chance.”

Thursday was the first time the full council had met since Mr Eccles, who served Stromness and South Isles parishes, passed away on January 5.

The convener, Councillor Stephen Hagan said: “As we sit here today and see the empty seat it comes home to you.”

He paid tribute to the “value, commitment and contribution” that Mr Eccles had made to the local authority in a relatively short period.

“He was on the council for just over four-and-a-half years and became chairman of the education and leisure committee. John always had a lot to say and made very positive contributions to the debates that we had here.”