Cllr Jim Thomson will take up the role depute leader while Cllr Rosemary Fraser becomes Stirling’s new Lord Provost.

The new administration was agreed at a special meeting of the council yesterday, with the creation of a new Housing Committee also approved.

Cllr McGill said: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed as Stirling Council leader and I look forward to working with my fellow councillors, as well as local partners and communities, to improve the lives of everyone across Stirling.

“We are committed to working constructively to unleash the full potential of Stirling’s communities to drive economic growth, reduce inequalities and continue transforming our services so we can secure a better future for all.”

Cllr Elaine Watterson resigned as Lord Provost and Neil Benny resigned as depute convener at the start of the meeting. Cllr Gerry McLaughlin was named as depute convener of council.

Cllr Fraser said: “My thanks to councillors for appointing me as Lord Provost. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elaine for her hard work during her term and for representing Stirling and its communities with such distinction. I’m proud and privileged to take on this important role and will work tirelessly for everyone across Stirling.”  

Other appointments include Housing Committee convenor Cllr Willie Ferguson and vice convenor Cllr Jim Thomson, as well as Planning & Regulation Panel chair Cllr Alasdair MacPherson and vice chair Cllr Gerry McLaughlan.

Among a number of external appointments, Cllr Scott Farmer was nominated to the NHS Board and also became a member and Chair of the Integration Joint Board for the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.