Former Highland Councillor Dies Aged 68

Former senior Highland Councillor, Bill Fulton, has died at the age of 68. Mr Fulton took ill at his home at Rasa Sayang, Fishery Pier Road, Kyle of Lochalsh, on Monday.

He leaves a wife, Joan, son William and daughter Melissa.

Mr Fulton’s local government service began in 1990 when he was elected to the former Highland Regional Council to represent South West Ross.

He then served Kyle and Sleat on The Highland Council, holding senior positions at a local and strategic level until his retirement from the council in May 2007.

He was Chairman of Protective Services as well as Depute Chairman of the Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee, having special responsibility for waste management.

At area level, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Skye and Lochalsh Area Committee and Chairman of the Area Planning Committee.

Council Convener Sandy Park paid tribute to Mr Fulton’s council service between 1990 – 2007.

He said: “This is very sad news indeed and our thoughts are with Bill’s family at this time.  Bill was a very conscientious and highly effective councillor, who contributed in equal measure at a local and strategic level. He always had something interesting to say and his debating skills, often laced with humour, won him many an argument. He will be sorely missed.”

Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, added: “Bill was a larger than life character, who brightened up many a council debate and occasion with his great sense of humour. He always argued strongly for those less well off and pursued issues for his local community with real determination.”

Mr Fulton took a particular interest in enhancing safety around the Highland shores and served as Chairman of the Tankers in the Minch Working Group.

Councillor Foxley said: “Bill and I worked very closely on this important issue and, together with our counterparts in the Western Isles, achieved much during our years of relentless campaigning on this front.”