Nicola Sinclair to stand down from Highland Council to take up journalism role
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Caithness councillor Nicola Sinclair is standing down from local government, saying it is "time for a change".
The independent councillor for Wick and East Caithness will quit her role on Highland Council later this month and will return to journalism as a locally based reporter for a regional daily newspaper.
Councillor Sinclair was elected in 2017 and is chairperson of the Caithness Committee. She leaves the council on June 25.
She previously worked in magazine publishing in Edinburgh and then for Channel 4 in Glasgow.
"It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave the council and not one that I’ve taken lightly," Councillor Sinclair said.
"The past four years have been an absolute whirlwind and I’ve learned a great deal. I have particularly enjoyed working on the Caithness Cares pathfinder and the town centre regeneration – I’ve always said Caithness has tremendous community spirit and that has been the most rewarding part of my job.
"However, it can be a really punishing role, high pressure and in the public eye, and it’s time for a change.
"I’m excited to be returning to journalism as a reporter for the Press and Journal. It’s hopefully the beginning of an exciting new chapter but I won’t pretend I’m not sad to be saying goodbye to my colleagues.
"I’ve made some great friends at council and I’m personally proud of the way in which the Caithness councillors have pulled together as a team in the best interests of the county.
"I wish my successor all the very best, whomever they may be, and most of all I want to thank the people in my ward and beyond for the kindness and support they’ve shown me. It’s greatly appreciated, and I’ll still be an active member of the community – so you’re not shot of me yet."
There are no details available yet on by-election arrangements.
