Council 'saddened' by death of former leader

John Dowson was a councillor in Dumfries and Galloway for more than a decade and became a prominent campaigner against flood protection plans for Dumfries

Tributes have been paid to a former leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) who has died at the age of 77.

John Dowson was a councillor in the region for more than a decade in the late 1980s and 1990s.

He was first elected for the Labour party in 1988 but subsequently re-elected as an independent.

More recently he served as a member of the Dumfries town board and was a campaigner against flood protection plans for the Whitesands area.

He said the plans would "destroy really quite a beautiful green space" when the money could be better spent elsewhere.

A statement from the local authority said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of former leader, John Dowson.

"John had a distinguished career in public service, serving as a councillor at DGC, including as council leader.

"The council offers its heartfelt condolences to John's wife, Margaret, and his sons, Paul and John, during this difficult time."

The town board described him as a "highly respected and dedicated member" of the organisation.

"John served our community over many years with integrity, commitment and a deep sense of public duty," it said in a statement.

"His thoughtful leadership and many years of service have made a lasting effect on the town and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him."

Former town board chairman, Richie Nicoll, said it was "really sad news indeed".

"He was a huge contributor to the board and will be sorely missed," he added.

"Thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Mr Dowson was a figurehead in the campaign against flood protection plans for the River Nith in Dumfries

Analysis: Giancarlo Rinaldi, south of Scotland reporter

John Dowson was one of the biggest characters on a colourful council in Dumfries and Galloway during the 1990s.

He was a dream for reporters with a gift for the sharp, snappy quotes that would regularly make a lead story for the local papers.

There was rarely a dull moment in committee meetings as he verbally jousted with political rivals and did his best to rub them up the wrong way.

After he left the local authority he held a number of other prominent roles in Dumfries and became a tireless campaigner against a flood protection scheme for its Whitesands.

It will be up to others to carry on that fight in his name now.