COSLA tributes to 'charismatic, energetic and enthusiastic' Rory Mair
A BLACK Isle man credited with rebuilding and turning round the fortunes of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has announced he is to retire as its chief executive.
Rory Mair, who lives in Rosemarkie and was previously chief executive of the now defunct Ross and Cromarty District Council, took up his COSLA post in 2002 following a fundamental review of the organisation’s purpose and structures.
After undergoing a liver transplant in 2012, he returned to work – and, having now decided to bow out, is receiving widespread high praise for achievements throughout his career.
He began his local government career 39 years ago and was awarded the CBE for services to local government in 2012.
At the time of his Ross and Cromarty District Council appointment he was the youngest ever chief executive in British local government.
Commenting on Mr Mair’s achievements with COSLA, president David O’Neill said: “Rory Mair has been a charismatic, energetic and enthusiastic chief executive of COSLA for more than a decade.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him as chief executive during my three years as COSLA president.
“He has successfully tackled the major challenges facing the organisation during his time at the helm and has achieved real progress for both COSLA and the wider local government family.
“There is absolutely no question that he re-established COSLA as a force in Scottish public life and he leaves the organisation in a much, much stronger position than the one he inherited back in 2002.”
Vice-president Michael Cook said: “Rory took over the organisation at a very difficult time and has done what many at the time thought was an impossible job, re-establishing COSLA on the national stage in Scottish public life.
“He is blessed with one of the sharpest brains I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“His personality is stamped on the organisation and he is extremely popular with the staff at COSLA who feel that he has taken them on an incredible journey.
“He is respected by elected members across the political spectrum within COSLA and will be a hard act to follow.
“That said, our attention now turns to finding a high calibre replacement, an individual capable of building upon the strong foundations laid by Rory during his years as COSLA chief executive.”
Mr Mair said it had been an honour and a privilege to dedicate his entire working life to the public sector in general and local government in particular.
He added: “Being appointed and serving as COSLA chief executive has, without doubt, been the highlight of my career and I am proud of what the organisation has achieved during my time here.
“There is still much to do and I will continue to give my all to the organisation until I pass the reins over to my successor.
“I feel that now, more than ever before, it is vital that Scottish local government talks with one strong united voice and I firmly believe that COSLA has, and always will be, that voice.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, said: “Rory has made an enormous contribution to building the input of local government to the wellbeing of people in Scotland.
“He has been a pivotal figure in creating a positive working relationship between local government and the Scottish Government and should be immensely proud of his role in that regard.
“It numbers alongside his many other achievements as COSLA chief executive.
“I have enjoyed working with him greatly and extend all good wishes to him for the future.”
Mr Mair’s transplant operation came after a long three-year wait for a suitable donor, due to his having a relatively rare blood group.
On its successful conclusion, he took time to embark on a vigorous campaign urging others to sign up for organ donation.
