New Stirling Council leader appointed

Gerry McGarvey has been appointed as Stirling Council's new leader.

The local authority has met to vote in a new leader, after the death of Margaret Brisley.

He'd previously been depute leader of the local authority.

The council is made up of 9 SNP, 8 Conservative, 4 Labour, 1 Green and 1 independent member.

Cllr McGarvey said: “It’s a privilege and an honour to be appointed as Leader of Stirling Council.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my predecessors, Margaret and Chris Kane, for their guidance and support since I was elected as a councillor, and I’m determined to build on the great work done before me.  

“I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow councillors and build consensus so that we make decisions that improve the lives of the people in our wonderful and diverse communities. 

“That will start this month when we will have to work together to set a balanced budget that meets the needs of our residents against a hugely challenging financial landscape for local government.

“While there are clearly further challenges ahead for Stirling and other local authorities, we march forward with optimism and ambition. 

“We are approaching the finale of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations, which are going to be fantastic and an opportunity to show how we are delivering a better future for all.

“Major transformative projects such as the redevelopment of Forthside and the creation of Stirling Studios – which will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland – are among the ways we are doing this.

“As Leader, I look forward to working closely with our communities and partners to unleash our full potential, increase investment and ensure Stirling is an attractive place to live, work, learn and create.”