Speaking at the start of today’s East Lothian Council Cabinet meeting, Cllr Michael Veitch (Dunbar & East Linton) said:
“May I say a brief word of tribute to the memory of John Stephenson who died on 13th September.
“An Army Major and local businessman, he was also active in local politics, serving as Conservative Councillor for Dunbar on East Lothian District Council between 1984 and 1988 - a seat won that year by my colleague Cllr Hampshire.
“John Stephenson also represented the vast Traprain Ward on Lothian Regional Council from 1986 to 1994, and was latterly leader of the Conservative group.
“Despite retiring to Berwick in 1998, he remained active in public service, being leader of Berwick Borough Council from 2005 to 2007 and being elected to Berwick Town Council just last year.
“His dedication to public service is an example to us all, and our thoughts are with his family.”