Tributes have been made with the news that Alistair Buchan,Orkney Islands Council’s Chief Executive since 1997, has retired on medical grounds.

James Stockan OIC Leader said:

“Alistair has made an enormous contribution over the course of his long and distinguished career to the Council and the communities in Orkney we serve.

“I have huge respect for what he has achieved during his many years with the Council. His passion and commitment to doing the very best for our islands will leave a lasting legacy, along with his deep understanding of what was right for Orkney.

“Alistair will be greatly missed by me and my fellow Elected Members and by colleagues across the organisation he was so proud to serve.”

Harvey Johnston, OIC  Convener  said:

“The Council and the whole Orkney community has benefited greatly from the continuity and stability Alistair has provided over so many years.

“Councils by their very nature are transient affairs. Councillors come and go, but Alistair has served the current and many previous councils in Orkney for more than a quarter of a century.

“Successful organisations need at their heart, a good, solid central pivot. Alistair has been that king pin and we have been grateful recipients of his carefully considered, wise and measured counsel over that period. We all wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Orkney Constituency MSP Liam McArthur, Liberal Democrat,  said:

“Alistair Buchan can be justifiably proud of the contribution he has made over many years of public service. He has been a fierce and passionate advocate for our islands, though someone who has always been willing to work collaboratively with others to get things done.

“On a personal level, I am enormously grateful to Alistair for all his help, advice and guidance to me in my role as Orkney’s MSP. Being able to call on his experience was often invaluable and always appreciated.

“I wish Alistair, Lorraine and the family well for the future and look forward to continuing a friendship that I have valued greatly over the years”.