Macdonald named leader of the year at Scottish councillor awards

SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) leader Emma Macdonald has won a prestigious prize at a national awards ceremony celebrating Scotland’s elected members.

The Shetland North councillor picked up the leader of the year prize in the Scottish section of this year’s Cllr Awards at an event in Edinburgh last night (Thursday).

She was up against Cammy Day of the City of Edinburgh Council and Borders Council’s Euan Jardine.

Macdonald said she was “very surprised to be shortlisted, never mind winning”.

“Other shortlisted candidates were very worthy winners so I didn’t expect my name to be called,” she said.

“Being a council leader isn’t always easy but it is really nice to know that Shetland’s voice is being heard at a national level and that the positive engagement and approach I take is appreciated and that it has an impact.

“We are fortunate in Shetland to have fantastic council staff and other elected members who really do help make it all possible so my thanks has to go to all of them.”

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Organisers said Macdonald’s “passion for local government as a facilitator of change is evident in her leadership of Shetland Islands Council”.

“She is a champion of women entering politics and is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent participation,” they added.

Macdonald was first elected to Shetland Islands Council in 2017, becoming the depute leader a year later.

In 2022 she was returned to the council again and won a vote to become political leader, becoming the first female to take on the role at the SIC.

She has been elected as an independent councillor, although last year it was revealed that she had become a member of the Liberal Democrats.