COSLA President Councillor Shona Morrison today (Monday 19th December) led the tributes from COSLA following the extremely sad news on the passing of COSLA’s former Vice President Councillor Graham Houston.

Councillor Morrison said:  “Councillor Houston was Vice President at COSLA for five years serving the people of Scotland from 2017 until June this year, he was respected by politicians and officers alike and indeed by all those who knew him or worked with him.

“This is truly devastating news today and there is very little that can be said that pays adequate tribute to such a wonderful human being at this time.

“Graham was robust in his standing up for and defence of Local Government and he worked closely with colleagues across Scottish Local Government, as well as with others from across Scotland in a wide variety of roles.  To put it simply, he was one of life’s good guys.

“On behalf of all those at COSLA and the wider Local Government family - I offer deepest condolences to all those who knew such a wonderful and caring person.”