Tributes are being paid this week to a senior Moray Council official who has completed her last major duty in the council chamber before retirement.
Jill Stewart enjoyed a 38-year career serving local authorities throughout Scotland and first arrived in Moray in 2000 where she has served in the key role as head of housing and property.
Most recently she has served the local authority in an acting corporate director role, while earlier this month her distinguished career was recognised when she was named as an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Ms Stewart, who lives in Dyke, first moved north in 1987 to work at Ross and Cromarty District Council before moving to the Highland Council in 1996.
Tuesday’s meeting of the communities committee at Moray Council will be Ms Stewart’s last before retiring, prompting a tribute from Moray’s Labour group.
Speaking on their behalf Councillor Barry Jarvis said: “Having worked alongside Jill over the past seven years has been a real joy.
“Her passion and commitment to Council Housing in Moray has been exceptional. She has seen a significant growth in the numbers and quality of Council stock over the past few years at a level that has been over and above what anyone would ever have expected or hoped for.
“Away from the Council she has been held in high regard by local social housing providers who no doubt will miss her advice and guidance on issues across Moray.
“Her most recent stint as acting Corporate Director has shown that she can provide leadership and guidance across disciplines including those out with her immediate line of expertise.
“As a group we hope she enjoys a long and happy retirement.”