Rutherglen councillor Anne Higgins passes away

Nov 21 2012 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

Tributes have poured in for Rutherglen South councillor Anne Higgins who tragically passed away this week.

Anne, (65) who had been a member of the SNP for over 30 years, died in the early hours yesterday (Tuesday) morning in the Victoria Infirmary. She had suffered from failing health for the past couple of months.

She is survived by her two sons Alan and David.

Long time friend of Anne and SNP councillor for Cambuslang West Clare McColl said: “Anne Higgins was a stalwart of the Scottish National Party. She was very well liked in the area, she would always go that extra mile to help you.

“She stood at many by-elections in the past 30 years before she got elected in 2007.

“I will miss everything about Anne. I couldn’t say there was anyone who disliked Anne and I think that would go across the board politically.”

Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: “Anne was one of the nicest people you could meet.

“She was a lovely lady who was well respected in the community.”

Labour MP Tom Greatrex also paid tribute and said: “Anne is someone I got to know over the last couple of years. She always struck me as a very decent individual who worked hard for her constituents. It is very sad that she has passed away and I’m sure she’ll be remembered and appreciated by people in Rutherglen.”

A spokesperson for the SNP said: “Anne was a very passionate nationalist and a very much loved and valued member of the SNP group. She was highly respected by her fellow councillors and appreciated by her constituents for the great work and service she did for them. Anne is a great loss to many, she touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very said time.”

Anne’s late husband John Higgins also passed away as a sitting councillor. The former Cambuslang East councillor died in December 2007.