Tributes paid to popular councillor Kevin Drum

Kevin Drum passed away peacefully after a short illness on Saturday, March 7 at the Borders General Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 60.

Paying tribute to Mr Drum, Councillor David Parker, convener at the local authority and his fellow ward representative, said: “Kevin’s passing has come as a great shock to his colleagues at Scottish Borders Council and in the community.

“Although Kevin had only been a councillor since 2017, he was enormously well respected by everyone across the chamber.

“He had gained a reputation of being an extremely committed and diligent ward councillor and was a genuinely lovely man whom councillors and officers had a great deal of respect for.

“On a personal note, I have been fortunate to work with Kevin in the Leaderdale and Melrose ward in the last three years and could not have asked for a better colleague.

“We have worked extremely well together and he has been very kind in supporting me in my duties and driving me all over the Scottish Borders.

“I know that the wider community who have worked with Kevin in the Leaderdale and Melrose community will be very saddened by this news.

“All of our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s family at this very sad time.”

Mr Drum was a passionate supporter of Celtic Football Club, the Scotland football team and the campaign for independence.

Councillor Stuart Bell, Leader of the SNP Group at the council, added: “Kevin was frequently seen in a kilt either marching behind a YES Scotland banner or following the Tartan Army.

“How he managed to balance his passions and his time was a mystery to me.

“He combined significant responsibilities as health and safety manager at Borders College, with the pressure of being a local representative, and with speaking up for his constituents and causes which he championed at council meetings.

“Everybody said to me: ‘He was just such a lovely man,’ and he was – he was exceptional.

“He could be firm and resolute when needed, but Kevin’s bright nature and his cheerful, cheeky smile invariably evoked a warm response and put people at their ease.”

Christine Grahame, SNP MSP, added: “I was shocked and saddened to learn of Kevin’s sudden death. He was a great colleague and lovely man, and we had such fun when he joined me on my Summer Tour taking in Oxton, Lauder, Earlston and Newstead, all in his ward.

“Every time we stopped I found out what he and been doing locally and any local issues we met he took on with energy and enthusiasm.

“It is so sad that this delightful and hardworking man has died and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Mr Drum is survived by his partner Val, his daughter Ailish and two sons, Matt and Liam.

Flags will fly at half-mast at council headquarters in Newtown St Boswells as a mark of respect until after Mr Drum’s funeral.