ONE of Scottish local government's most pivotal figures over more than a decade is to quit.
Rory Mair, chief executive of Cosla, which represents the overwhelming majority of Scotland's 32 councils, has announced that he is to retire from the organisation.
Mr Mair informed council leaders of his decision at a meeting in Edinburgh today, with his formal notice period beginning immediately.
The 59-year-old had a liver transplant in 2012 and it is understood the condition which led to the procedure has returned.
The Herald understands Mr Mair has received medical opinion that a second transplant is likely to be required in the foreseeable future.
It also comes amid a particularly turbulent period for Cosla, following the withdrawal of Glasgow and three other Labour-led councils to form a breakaway organisation.
The row over power and financing had dragged on for well over a year. His exit also comes a short time period after Cosla's president David O'Neill suffered a suspect stroke.
His successor will face an equally challenging landscape in the face of calls for major public sector reform and the squeeze on public finances acerbating in the years ahead.
Mr O’Neill said: “Rory has been a charismatic, energetic and enthusiastic chief executive of Cosla for over a decade.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him during my three years as 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 more generally.
“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.”
Mr Mair took up his post in April 2002 following an overhaul of the organisation’s purpose and structures.
Prior to this appointment, he had spent five years as director of Aviemore Projects for Highlands and Islands Enterprise and had been a strategic director with Fife Council.
At one time the youngest ever chief executive in British local government having held the post at Ross and Cromarty District Council, he has spent 39 years ago in the sector and was awarded the CBE for his services in 2012.
Mr Mair said: “From my first job as a youth worker with disadvantaged groups in Blackhill, Glasgow, it has been an honour and a privilege to dedicate my entire working life to the public sector in general and local government in particular.
“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.”
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