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Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Tributes pour in for "one of a kind" former East Renfrewshire provost Betty Cunningham
She sadly passed away at the age of 79, it was confirmed. Tributes have poured in for a former East Renfrewshire provost – described as 'one of a kind' and a 'determined champion' – after she sadly passed away. Labour councillor and past provost Betty Wood-Cunningham OBE died aged 79, it was confirmed. She had served her constituents faithfully in Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor for 26 years. And her dedication to the area was recognised last year when she received a Lifetime Legend award at the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA annual councillor awards. Books of condolence have been set up at the council offices in Barrhead Main Street and at Eastwood headquarters for members of the public to pay their respects. Betty was first elected in 1999 and was provost of East Renfrewshire Council from 2003 to 2007. She received an OBE from Her Majesty the Queen in the 2011 New Year's Honours List for services to East Renfrewshire and Malawi. Betty had first travelled to the African country in 2007 and set up a charity – the Betty Cunningham International Trust – which built a health clinic and nursery schools. Paying tribute, West Scotland Labour MSP Paul O'Kane described Betty as a 'dear friend'. He said: 'Betty Wood-Cunningham OBE was Barrhead through and through. She loved the bones and the stones of this place, and she was immensely proud to represent it on the council for over two decades. 'As provost, she represented East Renfrewshire across the country and worked hard to make everyone feel like they were a VIP when the provost came to officiate at an event. 'She raised thousands of pounds for charities, from supporting talented young musicians locally to local churches, hospices and, of course, her beloved Malawi. 'She was fiercely political and fiercely Labour – standing up for working people was in her DNA. On a personal level, she was my political mammy and a dear friend. 'For all the times she chided me, or we had our disagreements, there were countless more examples of her kindness and generosity to me and my family. 'She was one of a kind – from the foot of the town to receiving her OBE from the late Queen at the palace, she was always Betty. I will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace.' Provost Mary Montague, who signed the book of condolence in Barrhead, added: 'Betty's death is a sad loss to her family, colleagues, staff and many people locally and far and wide. 'Strong in character and often in her language, she was formidable in fighting for the best interests of Barrhead and East Renfrewshire. 'She was a determined champion for a just cause and, for anyone who found themselves in a difficult situation and asked Betty for help, they got it. 'Betty was a paradox of fiercely not pulling her punches when necessary to a woman of incredible empathy, compassion and love for fellow human beings. My condolences and my heart go out to Betty's family whom she loved with a passion and I hope they see, from the hundreds of lovely messages on social media, just how much Betty was appreciated and the extent of her legacy of public service.' Council leader Owen O'Donnell, who signed the book of condolence at the council's Eastwood HQ, said: 'Betty's passing has left me with a great sense of grief and sorrow which will be shared by the wider Labour family, council staff and colleagues, the many lives she touched in Barrhead and East Renfrewshire and much further afield in her beloved Malawi. 'This all still feels so raw and a time of personal grieving. We will have time in the days and weeks ahead to more fully celebrate her life together. 'My thoughts and prayers remain with her family at this time who graciously welcomed me into their home so I could say my final goodbyes in the hours before Betty passed away. Betty will remain an inspiration for us all.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Tributes after long-serving councillor dies aged 79
Books of condolence have been set up at the council offices in Barrhead Main Street and at Eastwood HQ for members of the public to pay their respects. Betty was first elected in 1999 and was Provost of East Renfrewshire Council from 2003 to 2007. She received an OBE from the Queen in the New Year's Honours List of 2011 for services to East Renfrewshire and Malawi. She had first travelled to the African country in 2007 and set up a charity - the Betty Cunningham International Trust - which built a health clinic and nursery schools. READ MORE: Council Leader Owen O'Donnell, who signed the book of condolence at the Council's Eastwood HQ, said: "Betty's passing has left me with a great sense of grief and sorrow which will be shared by the wider Labour family, council staff and colleagues, the many lives she touched in Barrhead and East Renfrewshire and much further afield in her beloved Malawi. This all still feels so raw and a time of personal grieving. We will have time in the days and weeks ahead to more fully celebrate her life together. "Social justice and the sense of what is right and wrong was ingrained in Betty's DNA. She was a ferocious fighter for the people of Barrhead and beyond and would leave then Prime Minister Tony Blair and First Minister Jack McConnell trembling in her wake! She had the biggest heart but was also great fun and someone you wanted to spend time with. "Betty was no prouder than when she received the Lifetime Legend award at the LGIU awards last year. This was a fitting award and well-deserved tribute to mark her career. "My thoughts and prayers remain with her family at this time who graciously welcomed me into their home so I could say my final goodbyes in the hours before Betty passed away. Betty will remain an inspiration for us all." Steven Quinn, Chief Executive of East Renfrewshire Council, said: "As a new chief executive spending time with Betty as she took me around Barrhead (or Borrheid as I was often corrected), it was incredible to witness at first hand her passion and dedication for her community and the work she had done to support so many people. Betty was always thinking of others and took a special interest in helping people who were facing challenges in their lives. "It was a privilege to get to know and work with Betty. Her death is a massive loss to her community and to East Renfrewshire Council. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Tributes for East Renfrewshire councillor Betty Cunningham
She had served her constituents in Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor for 26 years and her dedication to the area was recognised last year when she received a Lifetime Legend award at the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA annual councillor awards. Books of Condolence have been set up at the council offices in Barrhead Main Street and at Eastwood HQ for members of the public to pay their respects. Betty was first elected in 1999 and was Provost of East Renfrewshire Council from 2003 to 2007. She received an OBE from the Queen in the New Year's Honours List of 2011 for services to East Renfrewshire and Malawi. She had first travelled to the African country in 2007 and set up a charity – the Betty Cunningham International Trust – which built a health clinic and nursery schools. Council leader Owen O'Donnell, who signed the Book of Condolence at the Council's Eastwood HQ, said: "Betty's passing has left me with a great sense of grief and sorrow which will be shared by the wider Labour family, council staff and colleagues, the many lives she touched in Barrhead and East Renfrewshire and much further afield in her beloved Malawi. "This all still feels so raw and a time of personal grieving. We will have time in the days and weeks ahead to more fully celebrate her life together. Social justice and the sense of what is right and wrong was ingrained in Betty's DNA. "She was a ferocious fighter for the people of Barrhead and beyond and would leave then Prime Minister Tony Blair and First Minister Jack McConnell trembling in her wake! "She had the biggest heart but was also great fun and someone you wanted to spend time with. "Betty was no prouder than when she received the Lifetime Legend award at the LGIU awards last year. "This was a fitting award and well-deserved tribute to mark her career. READ MORE: Send us photos of your May newborn to appear in Barrhead News "My thoughts and prayers remain with her family at this time who graciously welcomed me into their home so I could say my final goodbyes in the hours before Betty passed away. "Betty will remain an inspiration for us all." Provost Mary Montague, who signed the Book of Condolence in Barrhead, added: "Betty's death is a sad loss to her family, colleagues, staff, and many people locally and far and wide. Strong in character and often in her language, she was formidable in fighting for the best interests of Barrhead and East Renfrewshire. "She was a determined champion for a just cause and, for anyone who found themselves in a difficult situation and asked Betty for help, they got it. "Betty was a paradox of fiercely not pulling her punches when necessary to a woman of incredible empathy, compassion and love for fellow human beings. "She was particularly supportive to my family at the time of a close family bereavement and a fundraiser for defibrillators was on her very full agenda of benevolence. "She is well known for her many achievements for good causes like Malawi, but many will carry with them the memory of her quiet, loving, personal support. "My condolences and my heart go out to Betty's family whom she loved with a passion and I hope they see from the hundreds of lovely messages on social media, just how much Betty was appreciated and the extent of her legacy of public service." Steven Quinn, chief executive of East Renfrewshire Council, said: "As a new chief executive spending time with Betty as she took me around Barrhead (or Borrheid as I was often corrected), it was incredible to witness at first hand her passion and dedication for her community and the work she had done to support so many people. "Betty was always thinking of others and took a special interest in helping people who were facing challenges in their lives. It was a privilege to get to know and work with Betty. "Her death is a massive loss to her community and to East Renfrewshire Council. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time." There were also tributes to Betty from across the political spectrum. (Image: Paul O'Kane) Local MSP Paul O'Kane said: "Betty Wood-Cunningham OBE was Barrhead through and through. "She loved the bones and the stones of this place, and she was immensely proud to represent it on the council for over two decades. "She worked day in and day out for local people and was always to be found on her mobile phone sorting out a constituent's problem (often with quite a few expletives thrown into the conversation). "As Provost, she represented East Renfrewshire across the country and worked hard to make everyone feel like they were a VIP when the Provost came to officiate at an event. This often included a run in the 'Provost's motor'. "She raised thousands of pounds for charities from supporting talented young musicians locally to local churches, hospices and of course her beloved Malawi. "She was fiercely political and fiercely Labour - standing up for working people was in her DNA. "On a personal level, she was my political mammy and a dear friend. For all the times she chided me or we had our disagreements, there were countless more examples of her kindness and generosity to me and my family. READ MORE: East Renfrewshire ranked best in Scotland for 19 different council services "She was one of a kind - from the foot of the town to receiving her OBE from the late Queen at the Palace she was always Betty. "I will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace." Councillor Gordon Wallace, leader of the Conservative group on East Renfrewshire Council, said: "I was greatly saddened to learn of Betty's death. She will be greatly missed, not least by the people of Barrhead for whom she so tirelessly and passionately represented for over 25 years." And SNP group leader, Councillor Tony Buchanan, added: "Betty was a stalwart in her community and a fearless fighter on behalf of that community. "She was feisty and would not tolerate anyone who would decry her beloved Barrhead. "She was also a great believer in equity at both home and abroad, the latter through the work of her Malawi charity. "Betty stood up for people who needed support, gave them a voice and made sure the council delivered for them."
The National
03-06-2025
- General
- The National
Tributes made to long-serving East Renfrewshire councillor
She had served her constituents in Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor for 26 years and her dedication to the area was recognised last year when she received a Lifetime Legend award at the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA annual councillor awards. Books of Condolence have been set up at the council offices in Barrhead Main Street and at Eastwood HQ for members of the public to pay their respects. READ MORE: Douglas Ross slapped down by Holyrood Presiding Officer after FMQ's ejection Betty was first elected in 1999 and was Provost of East Renfrewshire Council from 2003 to 2007. She received an OBE from the Queen in the New Year's Honours List of 2011 for services to East Renfrewshire and Malawi. She had first travelled to the African country in 2007 and set up a charity – the Betty Cunningham International Trust – which built a health clinic and nursery schools. Council leader Owen O'Donnell, who signed the Book of Condolence at the council's Eastwood HQ, said: "Betty's passing has left me with a great sense of grief and sorrow which will be shared by the wider Labour family, council staff and colleagues, the many lives she touched in Barrhead and East Renfrewshire and much further afield in her beloved Malawi. "This all still feels so raw and a time of personal grieving. We will have time in the days and weeks ahead to more fully celebrate her life together. Social justice and the sense of what is right and wrong was ingrained in Betty's DNA. "She was a ferocious fighter for the people of Barrhead and beyond and would leave then Prime Minister Tony Blair and First Minister Jack McConnell trembling in her wake! "She had the biggest heart but was also great fun and someone you wanted to spend time with. "Betty was no prouder than when she received the Lifetime Legend award at the LGIU awards last year. "This was a fitting award and well-deserved tribute to mark her career. "My thoughts and prayers remain with her family at this time who graciously welcomed me into their home so I could say my final goodbyes in the hours before Betty passed away. "Betty will remain an inspiration for us all." Provost Mary Montague, who signed the Book of Condolence in Barrhead, added: "Betty's death is a sad loss to her family, colleagues, staff, and many people locally and far and wide. Strong in character and often in her language, she was formidable in fighting for the best interests of Barrhead and East Renfrewshire. "She was a determined champion for a just cause and, for anyone who found themselves in a difficult situation and asked Betty for help, they got it. "Betty was a paradox of fiercely not pulling her punches when necessary to a woman of incredible empathy, compassion and love for fellow human beings. READ MORE: New poll shows Scots overwhelmingly back indy over Westminster direct rule "She was particularly supportive to my family at the time of a close family bereavement and a fundraiser for defibrillators was on her very full agenda of benevolence. "She is well known for her many achievements for good causes like Malawi, but many will carry with them the memory of her quiet, loving, personal support. "My condolences and my heart go out to Betty's family whom she loved with a passion and I hope they see from the hundreds of lovely messages on social media, just how much Betty was appreciated and the extent of her legacy of public service." Steven Quinn, chief executive of East Renfrewshire Council, said: "As a new chief executive spending time with Betty as she took me around Barrhead (or Borrheid as I was often corrected), it was incredible to witness at first hand her passion and dedication for her community and the work she had done to support so many people. "Betty was always thinking of others and took a special interest in helping people who were facing challenges in their lives. It was a privilege to get to know and work with Betty. "Her death is a massive loss to her community and to East Renfrewshire Council. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time." There were also tributes to Betty from across the political spectrum. (Image: Paul O'Kane) Local MSP Paul O'Kane said: "Betty Wood-Cunningham OBE was Barrhead through and through. "She loved the bones and the stones of this place, and she was immensely proud to represent it on the council for over two decades. "She worked day in and day out for local people and was always to be found on her mobile phone sorting out a constituent's problem (often with quite a few expletives thrown into the conversation). READ MORE: Scottish artist stunned following chance encounter with legendary rock musician "As Provost, she represented East Renfrewshire across the country and worked hard to make everyone feel like they were a VIP when the Provost came to officiate at an event. This often included a run in the 'Provost's motor'. "She raised thousands of pounds for charities from supporting talented young musicians locally to local churches, hospices and of course her beloved Malawi. "She was fiercely political and fiercely Labour - standing up for working people was in her DNA. "On a personal level,l she was my political mammy and a dear friend. For all the times she chided me or we had our disagreements, there were countless more examples of her kindness and generosity to me and my family. "She was one of a kind - from the foot of the town to receiving her OBE from the late Queen at the Palace she was always Betty. "I will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace." Councillor Gordon Wallace, leader of the Conservative group on East Renfrewshire Council, said: "I was greatly saddened to learn of Betty's death. She will be greatly missed, not least by the people of Barrhead for whom she so tirelessly and passionately represented for over 25 years." And SNP group leader, councillor Tony Buchanan, added: "Betty was a stalwart in her community and a fearless fighter on behalf of that community. "She was feisty and would not tolerate anyone who would decry her beloved Barrhead. "She was also a great believer in equity at both home and abroad, the latter through the work of her Malawi charity. "Betty stood up for people who needed support, gave them a voice and made sure the council delivered for them."
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Queen 'scolded' Meghan after 'tense exchange' with wedding menu caterer
Meghan Markle allegedly upset staff ahead of her royal wedding in 2018, with claims the late Queen stepped in to remind her how 'things are done' in the Royal Family According to reports, Meghan Markle, like many brides before her, was an anxious bride before her big day in 2018. With the world's eyes on her and her husband Prince Harry, with a fairytale wedding to plan, tensions ran high, including alleged clashes with caterers and Meghan's sister-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales (then Duchess of Cambridge), over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress. But the drama didn't stop there. According to royal biographer Katie Nicholl, Meghan found herself in a tense moment with a staff member during a menu tasting at Windsor Castle, the Daily Mail reports. During the tasting, Meghan reportedly got upset after being able to taste egg in what was thought to be a vegan dish. One source told Nicholl in her book The New Royals, 'She got quite upset, saying that the dish was meant to be vegan and macrobiotic.' However, Meghan's American directness didn't go unnoticed by the late Queen, who intervened right away. Nicholls' source claims, 'Suddenly the Queen walked in and said: 'Meghan, in this family we don't speak to people like that.'' It wasn't the only time her treatment of staff reportedly came to the attention of the late Queen. Royal historian Hugo Vickers has claimed that while Meghan and Harry were living at Frogmore Cottage, another complaint was made. According to Vickers, the Duchess had been so dismissive towards an under-gardener that it prompted the senior staff member to speak directly to the Queen. However, the stories about Meghan being an alleged bully kept on coming. In the years since Meghan has left the Royal life behind, multiple reports have emerged about Meghan's strained relationship with palace staff. The phrase 'Sussex Survivors Club' began circulating, in reference to a group of former employees who'd worked closely with the couple and come out on the other side. Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English wrote that some aides were left 'emotionally broken' by their experiences. Even more concerningly, she claimed that she'd been on the phone with a sobbing employee who had had a 'harrowing day.' In 2018, an internal review into Meghan's treatment of staff was triggered after her communications secretary, Jason Knauf, sent an email to Prince William 's then private secretary. His email claimed that Meghan had bullied two PAs out of the house in a single year. He added: 'The duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights.' Knauf, who would later change sides and begin working alongside William and Kate, has said he wouldn't change his decision to speak out. In 2022, Knauf was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III in his New Year's Honours List. Meghan firmly denied all allegations of bullying and described them as a 'calculated smear campaign'. A spokesperson for the Duchess said: 'The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma. She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.' Last year, a former bodyguard Steve Davies, who worked with Meghan after she had been announced as Harry's girlfriend, came to the Duchess' defence when speaking to In Touch Weekly. He said: "She gets a bad rap for being a not very good person to work with, that she was this evil person in the Royal Family. I saw her, from working at the studio to working with charities to working with dog walkers and cleaners. There's one huge lesson I learned from her: It's give respect to get respect.' He added: 'I felt sorry [for her] because she'd gone from being a celebrity to being a member of the biggest family in the world.' When Davies visited the duchess in the UK, he likened her life to being in a 'goldfish bowl'. He claimed it did not help that ' Buckingham Palace was controlling the PR and Meghan was always used to being able to control the PR herself with her team'. This was also around the time that employees started complaining, Davies said: 'The staff at Buckingham Palace [said they] couldn't stand working for her. Nobody had a bad word to say about her [in Toronto]. Even with the pressure that she was under, she was warm and considerate all the time.' He also added that she had a 'big heart' and would 'go out of her way' to help people. In the interview, Davies, who no longer works with the Duchess, said: 'I would work with her again, not a problem at all. She was a good person to work for, and she still is a good person.' Whilst the late Queen seemed to disapprove of Meghan throwing herself headfirst into the Royal family and life, it also seems the slow-burning introduction into the Royal family life by Kate Middleton was also something the Queen wasn't impressed by. In 2018, Royal expert Phil Dampier, who has been reporting on the Firm for more than 20 years, told that Kate gradually started doing engagements because William was protective of her. He said: 'The Queen once remarked Kate doesn't do very much so I think she had a fairly long entrance to the Royal family.' Dampier said William was protective of Kate because of what happened to his mother, Princess Diana, something Harry has been keenly scrutinised for when it comes to Meghan.
