I was saddened to learn that my former council colleague Carl Nelson from Muchalls has died. He was 88.

I have known Carl for near on 50 years. He was chairman of the local community council at that point, a path I was later to tread too.

He became a councillor for the area in 1992, joining the then Kincardine and Deeside District Council. When local government was reorganised in 1996, he represented the area on the new Aberdeenshire Council. I joined him as a fellow ward councillor in 2007.

He held various senior posts during his 25 years, such as vice-chairman of the social work committee, and chairman of Kincardine & Mearns Area Committee.

When announcing that he was to stand down in 2017 he told the Press & Journal that one of his proudest moments was the decision to build the new town of Chapelton in the ward. I would agree.

He said at that time: “Since I was elected it has been so enjoyable. It has been great to meet so many people in the area and help them the best I can.”

He never seemed flustered and calmly dealt with any problems. A gentleman.

Before being elected as a councillor, Carl worked in the civil service, for which he was made an MBE.

Although we were of different parties, Carl and I never had a cross word. He has left me with many fond memories.

The photograph is from Carl’s days as an Aberdeenshire Council member.