TRIBUTES have been paid to the “passion and enthusiasm” shown by a long-serving Renfrewshire Council officer after her retirement was announced.

Karen Anderson, most recently sustainability, place and assets manager, was thanked for her efforts after calling time on her career at the local authority.

Elected members took the opportunity at the infrastructure, land and environment policy board to express their gratitude to Ms Anderson, who has been a prominent figure in the department for some time.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, SNP convener, said: “I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate and thank Karen for the time that she has given to her role and the passion and enthusiasm that she’s always offered.

“She has dedicated her working life to Renfrewshire, starting in 1986 – I believe was the correct year – as a trainee cleansing officer at that point in time.

The Gazette:

“Throughout the many years that you have served, you have served in numerous roles…Karen, for me, has been a stalwart of Renfrewshire Council.

“She has been a person that, as an elected member, I’ve been able to go to and she’s been able to give me the history of an issue that I didn’t even realise existed in its current format and what it was before that point as well.

“She is going to be leaving and retiring now as the sustainability and place manager, which is a real achievement with the dedication you’ve shown and progress you’ve made within yourself and for women at a time and in a department that is dominated by men.

“That is no disrespect to the men in the chamber, the call or department but I will always champion seeing women excelling in a department that is so male-dominated.

“Karen, you are an inspiration to women to really assert yourself, be bold and believe in yourself.”

Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour group environment spokesperson, said: “I just wanted to take the opportunity to put on record my thanks to Karen for her help over the years, both as a normal member of the public on the ground and as a councillor.

“Whether you’re in opposition or administration, she’s always been very good and an absolute, total professional filled with integrity, enthusiasm, knowledge but most of all, a fantastic sense of humour.”

Councillor James MacLaren, Conservative group environment spokesperson, added: “I would just like to commend Karen for her passion for recycling and agree with others that she will be sorely missed from this department.”