Stirling Council leader Margaret Brisley dies aged 79

The leader of Stirling Council Margaret Brisley has died at the age of 79.

Her family revealed that she passed away on Sunday, October 27, following a “short illness”.

It comes just one month after Ms Brisley had replaced Chris Kane as Stirling council leader in September, a role she said she was “honoured” to be taking on.

A statement issued by son Paul on social media read: “My family and I are truly heartbroken to share the news our wee mum passed away today at 1.40pm after a short illness.

“The most wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister in law, auntie and wise sage to all her family and friends.

“The most loving, generous, selfless and passionate socialist advocate for equality we will ever know.

“Still working at 79 in the job she truly loved and dedicated herself to. She will be truly missed.”

Ms Brisley was a former teacher, and held roles within Stirling District Council and Stirling Council.

She was a local councillor for 44 years, representing Bannockburn since 1980 and then the Eastern villages since 2007.

Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane – from whom Ms Brisley succeeded, described the former councillor as a “trailblazer for women in politics.”

He said: “Margaret was a champion for Bannockburn and the Eastern Villages for over 40 years.

“She was a trailblazer for women in local politics and a passionate advocate for local government.

“In her recent years she was a mentor to many Labour politicians, including myself, and I will miss her greatly.”

On behalf of the Stirling Constituency Labour Party, chairman Charles Broadfoot, said: “Margaret was a public servant for five decades as a high school teacher and, since 1980, as a Stirling councillor.

“She will be missed by all who knew her and on behalf of all of her comrades in the Labour Party, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Margaret’s family at this sad time.”

Stirling Council deputy leader Gerry McGarvey said she will be missed.

He added: “Margaret was returned as a councillor in each of the 11 elections she stood in, which is testament to the dedication and hard work she undertook on behalf of her constituents.

“Her calming and professional presence will be missed at Stirling Council, and I am both sad at her passing and that I will not have more opportunity to learn from her.”