THE former Provost of Clackmannanshire has been awarded the coveted Freedom of the County.

Derek Stewart was bestowed the highest honour Clackmannanshire Council can grant during a ceremony on Armed Forces Day, held on Saturday, September 29.

Derek was celebrated at the service after the Royal Regiment of Scotland marched through Alloa, having also been granted the freedom in 2006.

Clackmannanshire Council voted unanimously to award Derek the Freedom of the County during a meeting in February 2023.

Speaking about his new honour, Derek said: “I was absolutely delighted to be presented with the Freedom of Clackmannanshire by Provost Balsillie.

“I would like to thank all my colleagues and friends at the council, past and present, for their support, kindness and friendship over the years, especially councillor Craig Holden for putting me forward to receive this honour.

“It was an absolute privilege to serve my community for over three decades as a councillor and three times as Provost, and this latest honour is just so wonderful to receive.

“I am so proud.”

Derek was first elected to Clackmannan District Council in May 1988, going on to have 34 years of service as a councillor.

He retired from public office in 2022 as the only councillor to have served as Provost on three occasions.

He was given the Freedom of Clackmannanshire by current Provost Donald Balsillie, who described it as a “great pleasure.”

He said: “It gave me great pleasure to present Derek with the Freedom of Clackmannanshire, the highest honour the council can bestow on an individual.

“Derek served his community well as a councillor for over 34 years and was a trusted colleague and friend to many on the council – right across the political spectrum.

“Due to his long and distinguished service and his unique contribution both on the council and in his community, the council unanimously agreed to bestow Derek with this honour.”

Derek was responsible for bestowing the Freedom of Clackmannanshire on the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and to Sir George Reid.

The Royal Regiment marched through Alloa to celebrate Armed Forces Day, with Sir George also turning out to watch Derek’s ceremony.