Death of North Lanarkshire’s first provost

Jan 6 2010 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge

The first Provost of North Lanarkshire has died after a long illness.

Vincent Mathieson, who served as a councillor from 1970 until his retirement in 2003, passed away on New Year's Day. He was 88.

North Lanarkshire Council chief executive Gavin Whitefield paid tribute to Mr Mathieson.

He said: “Mr Mathieson’s death is a sad loss. It was a privilege to work with him.

“As a councillor he gave distinguished service to the people of North Lanarkshire. He was first elected to Motherwell and Wishaw Burgh Council in 1970, going on to become the first Provost of Motherwell District Council after the creation of regional and district councils.

“He later took on the challenging role of North Lanarkshire Council Provost from 1995 until 1999.”

In 1977, Mr Mathieson was appointed leader of the ruling Labour Group, a post he held for 19 years.

During his three decades as a councillor, he served on many council committees and outside bodies, including the Scottish Constitutional Convention, Lanarkshire Health Board and Clyde Valley Tourist Board, where he became chairman in 1980.

He was an active supporter of many charities, most notably St Vincent de Paul.

Mr Mathieson was honoured with an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list in 2002.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.