Well, that’s that. My final meeting as an Aberdeenshire councillor after 15 years. The swansong was a four-hour meeting of the full council, with 60 of the 70 councillors attending virtually.

Plans to meet in the chamber at Woodhill House in Aberdeen had to be abandoned because, simply, the technology would not work.

Provost Bill Howatson gave an unexpected name check to all the councillors who are not standing again, and a special mentioned to my colleague Fergus Hood who died a year ago from cancer.

Our final meeting included two planning applications, the annual report from the chief social work officer, a best value action report, a review of the scheme of governance, changes of allegiance by three councillors, a covid update, and a review of hybrid meetings.

The vast majority of councillors – of all parties and none – undertake their tasks with the best of intentions, with the aim of making life better for all our residents. We come in for criticisms, and sometimes it is justified! And of course we are answerable to voters.

On Thursday 5 May voters get the opportunity to go to the polls to choose four representatives to represent North Kincardine. Please do!

The Press and Journal published a round-up from the final full council meeting: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/4232867/aberdeenshire-council-it/?fbclid=IwAR190J5yVXWRk3-mMP8Crr3UwR_J_Q2KTdO76SmY1M7m_aZm0ADfFvTJs90