Glasgow City Council is greatly saddened by the death of Councillor George Roberts (Hillhead ward) who died on Monday, 19 September, after a short illness, aged 68.

Commenting on the news, SNP Leader of the Opposition Councillor Allison Hunter said: "The tragic news of George's death has been greeted with great sadness.  George was a popular and influential member of the SNP Group, and was highly regarded by members across the council, regardless of party.

"George was always diligent in his work as an elected councillor and played a full role in the work of the SNP Group. His wry humour often brought a lighter mood to sometimes difficult matters in council.

"In his time as a councillor, George worked in the subjects that he knew most about - in matters of transport and engineering.  He was an SNP member on the Board of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and maintained a keen interest in major projects such as the M74 the upgrading of Glasgow's underground system.

"George will be sorely missed from our Group. The thoughts of our members are with George's family at this most difficult time."

Councillor Bob Winter, the Lord Provost, said: "George was a respected councillor who was conscientious in his work and cared deeply for his constituents.

"He will be sadly missed by everyone at Glasgow City Council. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Notes:

Councillor Roberts was elected to serve in Hillhead ward on Glasgow City Council in May 2007, as the SNP group increased from four to 22 members. George was Deputy Business Manager for the SNP Group from June 2011.

He had been a member of numerous council committees, including Planning and the Sustainability and the Environment and Regeneration and the Economy Policy Development Committees. He was the SNP Group's spokesperson on Transport and was a board member of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport from 2007.

George was born in Belfast in 1942.   He attended Victoria Drive school before graduating from the University of Strathclyde in Civil Engineering.  George worked across the world on major construction projects, from Africa to Asia, and - as a trainee - was part of the team who constructed the Kingston Bridge in Glasgow.

George had a keen interest in the theatre and enjoyed reading.  He also regularly played squash until very recently.

George is survived by his wife, Sheila, son Ewan and daughter in law Jenny.