ORMISTON'S community council chairman has stepped down after almost three decades at the helm.

Jim Blane announced his intention to step down in August and was replaced by Scott Gillies at the group's monthly meeting earlier last week.

Mr Gillies, who was previously vice-chairman of the group, paid tribute to Mr Blane, who will remain as a community councillor.

The newly-elected chairman, who is the son of Councillor Jim Gillies, himself a former Ormiston community councillor, said: “It is a tough act to follow when Jim has been chairman for 27 years.

“We have quite a good team and I will always have Jim to fall back.

“I've been his vice-chairman for about eight years and I'm quite looking forward to being chairman.

“I just hope I'm not David Moyes following Sir Alex Ferguson – hopefully I last a bit longer!

“But I'm looking forward to what is ahead and wish Jim all the best in his retirement as chairman.”

Mr Gillies, who is a team leader with Dunedin Canmore Housing Association and a trustee with Radio Saltire, said there were big issues to be looked at, including a proposed housing development off George Crescent.

Mr Blane has been involved with the community council for 36 years after moving to the village from Cumnock, in Ayrshire, in 1971.

He became chairman around the same time as Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister and has seen another four people take that role while he was at the helm of the village's group.

The 69-year-old, who was one of the longest serving community council chairman in the county, previously told the Courier he felt it was time for someone else to take charge.

He added: “I think it is time to allow the younger people to be given the opportunity.

“If you have got younger people at the top, in the chairman's position or running the community council you are more likely to attract younger people.

“We have got to make sure we have got an active community council for the future and we need fresh blood to do that.”