One of Westhill and Elrick’s most loyal and dedicated community leaders has died.

Dr Gurudeo (Gurdev) Saluja, who was 82, served as an Aberdeenshire Councillor from 1999 to 2012, latterly for the Westhill and District area.

He was previously chair of the Social Work and Housing Committee and held board positions with GREC (Grampian Racial Equality Council), Langstane Housing Association and Cemvo (Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations) boards.

Dr Saluja served with Westhill and Elrick Community Council (WECC) from 2012 to 2014, and re-joined in 2016.

WECC Acting Chairperson Audrey Findlay said: “Dr Saluja was a man of integrity who always had an empathy with helping those in need.

“He was a popular councillor right across the political spectrum but always a very loyal member of the Liberal, and then the Liberal Democrat Party.

“After he retired as a councillor in 2012 he joined WECC because of his interest in this community which he was so proud to serve.

“He deservedly was awarded the OBE in 2005 for his public service. He will be missed by many.”

Dr Saluja’s memorial service will take place at Aberdeen Crematorium on Friday 17th February at 11am.

His son Sean said: “My father very much enjoyed the work he did for both Aberdeenshire Council and WECC, from which he derived great satisfaction.

“He was proud to serve his community.”