Former chair of the Accounts Commission, Douglas Sinclair, died last week after stepping down from his post due to ill health earlier this year. 

Mr Sinclair had been at the commission for a decade, first as a member, then as deputy chair, before his appointment to the chairmanship in December 2013. 

He previously held a number of roles across local government in Scotland, including chief executive posts at Fife Council, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Central Region Council and Ross and Cromarty Council.

Acting chair of the Accounts Commission, Ronnie Hinds, said he brought ‘a wealth of knowledge and experience' to the commission. 

‘Douglas was a passionate advocate for local democracy and a champion of high quality services for local people.  

'Under his leadership the commission greatly strengthened its role as independent public watchdog acting in the public interest.'

Former First Minister, Lord Jack McConnell, said: ‘I first met Douglas Sinclair when he was leading change and innovation at one of Scotland's smallest district councils. He was already making his mark across Scotland. Through the many positions he held after that, he was always looking to improve accountability and services, recognising that councils had to meet the challenges and demands of the modern world. 

‘He was a powerful voice for elected local government and a thoroughly decent man who will be remembered fondly by all who worked with him.'

Former political secretary to Neil Kinnock, Neil Stewart, who worked with Mr Sinclair and former labour leader John Smith on policy plans for devolution, said: ‘Douglas Sinclair was part of a small group of local authority and public officers who helped make a sensible and workable devolution with proper accountability work.'

For a 2006 interview with Mr Sinclair, see here.