Moray Council chief executive retires

Date Added - 05/07/12

Moray Council’s chief executive Alastair Keddie is to retire.

At a meeting of the full council this week councillors approved the early retirement of Mr Keddie, 58, who has been on long-term sick leave receiving treatment for cancer.

Following the decision, council leader Cllr Allan Wright said: “Alastair Keddie guided the Moray Council through a period of profound change for local authorities following devolution and the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.  He coped well with everything from government initiatives with ring-fenced funding to the radical move under SNP to a clearer partnership approach where councils had greater powers to set their own priorities. Various pieces of legislation were taken in his stride like community empowerment and community planning.

“Before his illness, he had begun the process of reforming structures and services within the council.”

“I know that councillors past and present will join with me in wishing Alastair a long and happy retirement in which he will be able to indulge his passion for antiques.”

The council will now advertise the position, meantime existing caretaker arrangements will remain in place.

Acting chief executive, Roddy Burns, said that Alastair’s influence on the council was palpable.

“Alastair always had the welfare of staff at the heart of decisions and developments in the council,” he said.

“He was not someone who sought a high public profile but was a very effective chief executive. I and all my colleagues wish him and his family the very best for the future.”

Mr Keddie has been chief executive of Moray Council since 2000, having previously been depute chief executive for five years.

Prior to that he was depute director of finance with Grampian Regional Council.

Born and educated in Glasgow, he qualified as a chartered accountant and worked in the engineering industry in Glasgow and the construction industry in West Africa before entering local government.

Mr Keddie is married with two sons and two daughters.

Speaking from his home yesterday he said: “I have enjoyed my time at Moray Council, working as I have with such dedicated staff who I will miss greatly.

“There are challenging times ahead, but I am confident that the staff, my successor and elected members will work together to meet these challenges head-on.”