EAST Lothian Council's chief executive will retire from the role next February, it has been announced.

Monica Patterson, who has been chief executive for nearly five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government.

Monica Patterson (Image: East Lothian Council)

Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was head of housing services with North Lanarkshire Council.

On arriving at East Lothian Council, she took up the role of executive director for community services.

In 2012, she became depute chief executive (partnerships and community services). She has also served as the council’s monitoring officer and been the returning officer for elections in East Lothian.

The recruitment process for a new East Lothian Council chief executive is expected to begin in due course.

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Ms Patterson said: “It has been a huge privilege to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues, as well as with elected members and local communities in East Lothian, which is a very special part of the country.

“Since joining the council over 14 years ago, we have seen significant change in both the council and the county.

"There have, of course, been a number of challenges some of which – like the Covid-19 pandemic – were outwith our direct control.

"In one of Scotland’s fastest-growing areas, we have played our part in delivering national policy requirements, whilst working hard to continue providing high-quality services for residents, protecting and enhancing the environment, and helping to grow the local economy.

“But, despite an increasingly difficult financial environment for local government, what hasn’t changed is the ability of council employees, together with our partners, to focus on delivering the very best for our communities, continually being able to adapt and innovate.

“I know that, whilst there will continue to be challenges to contend with, East Lothian Council and the communities we serve will be able to look forward to the future with positivity, confidence and a strong desire to maximise all the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I will have many fond memories of working in East Lothian, as well as the people I’ve met, and wish everyone well for the future.”

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Councillor Norman Hampshire, council leader, said: “Monica Patterson has had a long and distinguished career in local government.

"She has worked tirelessly in contributing to the success of East Lothian Council in senior roles since 2010, including the last five as chief executive.

“Within a matter of weeks of taking up the role, she had to contend with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which was hugely difficult for the council and the communities of East Lothian.

"Monica had to deal with the pressure of ensuring we kept essential services going, with the council having to quickly change and adapt the way it did things in order to meet the needs of residents.

"Monica did a fantastic job throughout, leading strong and effective teams.

“In the face of many challenges, Monica has been a great leader at the helm of the council.

"Over many years, she has made a significant contribution to the success of a good, well-run council, helping us build on improvements to services and laying very strong foundations which will help us deal with the challenges ahead.

“I would like to thank Monica for her committed service to East Lothian and wish her well for the future.

“We will soon begin a recruitment process to find another high-calibre chief executive who can work with us to build on the successes of recent years and take us forward into the years ahead.”