Death of Council Director of TEC Services
The Highland Council’s Director of Transport Environmental and Community Services, Mrs Mary McLauchlan, has died following a long illness, at the age of 45.
Mrs McLauchlan joined the Council in June 2002 and provided strategic direction, leadership and advice to the 1,000 strong TEC Services team, having responsibility for an annual budget of £61 million, covering roads, transport, harbours, waste management, environmental health, trading standards and direct services.
She also advised the TEC Services Committee, whose chairman, Councillor Charlie King, paid tribute to her service to the Council.
He said: “Mary was an excellent director, who provided strong leadership, sound financial stewardship and first class advice to elected members. During her time at the helm of TEC Services, many efficiencies were made in the way we delivered services and a major achievement was our significant increase in waste recycling. She also made a significant contribution to the deliberations of the senior management team. She will be sorely missed.”
Council Convener Councillor Alison Magee added: “I am so saddened by this news. Mary was an outstanding director, devoted to the interests of the Highlands, and a really nice person. Our thoughts are with her husband, Martin, and her wider family at this time.”
Mrs McLauchlan enjoyed travelling and had a strong affinity with the Highlands, holidaying in the area for many years before moving to live here. She was active in her local church.
She began her management career with National Savings in Newcastle and progressed to the positions of Head of Internal Audit and Programme Manager.
She transferred to the private sector, with Siemens Business Services, as part of a Private Finance Initiative deal, where she worked in a highly commercial environment as Business Manager for Glasgow and Durham before being assigned to the position of Operational Development Manager. She had extensive experience of policy/strategy development and implementation as well as the management and co-ordination of both human and financial resources.