An East Kilbride councillor is looking back at his first year serving his local community.
The SNP’s Grant Ferguson is the first ever Deaf BSL user to be elected in Scotland.
He won a by-election for the East Kilbride Central North ward after the sad passing of Councillor Sheena Wardhaugh.
Councillor Ferguson said his first year in office has seen ups and downs but he is grateful for the support he has received from fellow elected members and elsewhere.
He hasn’t done it alone of course – always at his side is Yoshi the hearing dog, who has become a firm favourite at committee meetings – in return for a few treats along the way.
Councillor Ferguson told the East Kilbride News: “The role of the councillor is overwhelming and demanding to serve the needs of the community and constituents when they call us for assistance and support.
“I have learned that many of the cases does not resolve overnight, it requires with the planning, time, and the resources to have these cases properly addressed for the constituents.
“It gives you the opportunity to hear their concerns when attending at the community councils in evenings on a monthly basis, prior to COVID.
“And sometimes I get invites to attend the school events and it has been excellent to see their talents on display.
“I am dedicated to my commitment to these events to show my utmost appreciation and respect towards everyone involved to create these magical events to share with their families.“
He went on: “However, I was a bit apprehensive approaching the council in as far as the support towards my disability and not knowing if this would make an impact towards my role as a councillor.
“But the council officers and the councillors made me feel very welcome which I am grateful to this day to ensure a smooth transition into the role as a councillor.
“They made sure that my participation is treated as equally and as the same as others.”
And Councillor Ferguson said, he like everyone else had to find ways to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The world has turned upside down and the council had dramatically altered its behaviour. Thankfully the technological advancements such as the emails, Microsoft Teams and IntepreterNow applications has allowed me to engage with the council, committees, communities and the constituents, with no barriers imposed upon me which stop me performing my role as a councillor.”
Councillor Ferguson is looking forward to meeting more constituents, he added: “I understand being a councillor is a very demanding role but I enjoy it thoroughly, serving the needs of the communities and the constituents and East Kilbride.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be an elected councillor and I am looking forward to meeting the new constituents and making progress with the communities as we go forward this year and next.”
