Late council leader in line for ‘Lifetime Legend’ prize at UK awards

Brisley posthumously nominated year after death

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Brisley passed away in September 2024

Stirling Council’s late leader and longest serving councillor has been posthumously shortlisted for a top national honour.

Bannockburn and Eastern Villages Ward member Margaret Brisley served as a Labour councillor for 44 years before becoming Council Leader in September 2024 - just weeks before her death in October of that year at the age of 79.

She had also served as Deputy Leader since 2022 and was also a former Provost.

She was often regarded as a steadying hand, having garnered a wealth of experience since first being elected to the former Stirling District Council in 1980.

Outside of politics she was described by her family as “the most wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, auntie and wise sage to all her family and friends” and “the most loving, generous, selfless and passionate socialist advocate for equality we will ever know”.

As the anniversary of her death approaches, however, she is one of four councillors shortlisted for a Lifetime Legend award in the 2025 LGIU and CCLA Councillor Awards.

This category celebrates a councillor who has dedicated 15 or more years to serving their local community through their role on the council, maintaining their passion and enthusiasm for improving the lives of their residents. It recognises their positive and lasting contributions through a long-term focus on a particular issue, the cumulative effect of many smaller projects, or both.