Councillor Tom Buchanan

Councillor Tom Buchanan’s family has confirmed that he passed away peacefully this morning in hospital.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Deputy Council Leader and leader of the SNP group, said:- “Although Tom has been ill for some time now it doesn’t lessen the shock or sadness of his leaving us so many years before his time. The impact that he had in a relatively short time with the Council, and as Economic Development convener, was second-to-none. In the midst of a worldwide recession, his drive and stewardship of the city economy left Edinburgh in a much better place than it would have been without his leadership.

“Tom was incredibly hard working as well, always the first in and the last out of the office, but you could see how much he enjoyed it. Having worked with him for nearly six years I can say that he became a firm friend to me, and to many others, as well as a colleague. He will be very much missed by all of us and the city as a whole, but we hope that his work will have a fitting legacy in a proposed scholarship fund for Edinburgh’s young people.”

Councillor Andrew Burns, Council Leader, added:- “Like everyone at the Council, I’m deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s death. My thoughts, and the thoughts of all those who worked with him, are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. Tom brought relentless energy and enthusiasm to his role as Economic Development Convener, particularly to the Council’s Strategy for Jobs. He was incredibly passionate about this, especially when it came to creating opportunities for young people, and he will rightly be remembered for it.”

Colin Keir MSP said:-“It was with great sadness that I heard of Tom’s passing this morning, especially after visiting him and his wife Evelyn at the Marie Curie Hospice just last night. Having shared an office with him for five years at the City Chambers I can tell you he was a real star.

He was the right man in the right job, genuinely loving the Economic Development brief he was given. Business leaders and politicians from all sides of the political spectrum respected him immensely because of his knowledge and sheer enthusiasm. I’ll particularly miss his dry sense of humour which ensured that there was never a dull moment. Everyone in my parliamentary office knew Tom, we haven’t just lost a colleague but a true friend and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Councillor Buchanan represented the Liberton/Gilmerton Ward and gained 1780 votes in the election last May. The Edinburgh Reporter extends our condolences to Councillor Buchanan’s family.