Tributes paid following the death of Scottish Borders SNP councillor John PatonDay
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a highly-respected Scottish Borders councillor after his death while on holiday this week.
John PatonDay, who represented the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Leaderdale and Melrose, died on Wednesday while surrounded by his family.
He has been described as a “strong advocate for Independence” with a particular interest in promoting the creative arts locally.
Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, group leader of the SNP on the council, issued a statement on behalf of herself and colleagues.
She said: “It is with great sadness that we have to tell you that our friend and SNP colleague John PatonDay, councillor for Leaderdale and Melrose, passed away suddenly while on holiday on Wednesday, October 21, surrounded by his family.
“John was a strong advocate for Independence, out leafleting a few days ago, and truly fought for our cause. He was dedicated to serving his community, doing everything he could to make people’s lives better in Leaderdale and Melrose and across Scotland.
“Please keep his wife Alison and his family in your thoughts.”
Councillor Watson McAteer, Convener of Scottish Borders Council, said: “John made a valued contribution to the work of the council and to the communities he represented.
“As Champion for the Creative Arts, he was committed to ensuring that people involved in the arts across the Borders region had the opportunity to share their views and have their voices heard.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to John’s family, friends and all those who knew and worked with him at this very sad time.”
Further tribute was paid by Councillor Caroline Cochrane, Independent for Selkirk, who said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my fellow Scottish Borders councillor John PatonDay.
“John was a respected colleague who dedicated his time to representing the people of Leaderdale and Melrose and serving the wider Scottish Borders community.
“Regardless of political differences, we all share a commitment to public service and doing our best for the communities we represent.
“The loss of a fellow councillor is felt across the council.
“My heartfelt condolences go to John’s wife Alison, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
John was first elected to represent Leaderdale and Melrose in 2007, serving as a Liberal Democrat councillor until 2012.
He was re-elected to the council in 2022, representing the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Following his election in 2022, John was appointed Scottish Borders Council’s Champion for the Creative Arts, a role established to ensure that those involved in creative expression through the visual, literary and performing arts had their voices heard.
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said all staff extended their condolences to John’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone affected by his loss.