Bert Thomson and Celine Handibode have been confirmed as the new Provost and Depute Provost for South Lanarkshire. The recommendations were unanimously agreed at a meeting of the council on Wednesday, August 26.
Roles confirmed after interim appointments
Provost Thomson was appointed Interim Provost earlier this year when the council agreed that the then Provost Margaret Cooper be granted a period of absence from her elected member duties. Councillor Celine Handibode was also appointed Interim Depute Provost at that time. The sad passing of Provost Cooper was announced on June 24.
New Provost pays tribute to predecessor
Provost Thomson said: “It’s a great honour to be the Provost of South Lanarkshire.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention my predecessor Margaret Cooper, who was so dedicated to the role and representing South Lanarkshire.
“Her Touch a Life fundraising initiative and the granting of the Freedom of South Lanarkshire to the Royal Regiment of Scotland are just two of the many achievements for which we will remember Margaret.
“They are big shoes to fill, and I intend to honour Margaret by doing my upmost to treat the role with the respect and dignity it commands.”
Depute Provost Handibode said: “I am delighted to be confirmed as Depute Provost and look forward to working closely with Bert and the team to fulfil the Civic duties.”
Duties and remuneration
In addition to chairing meetings of the council, the provost’s role includes attending citizenship ceremonies, visits for diamond weddings and 100th birthdays, Remembrance events, Christmas light switch-ons and the 2026 Provost Awards. The Depute Provost supports the Provost in these activities.
Both roles come with extra pay, recognising their added responsibilities. The provost will be paid £47,099 this financial year, while the depute provost will receive £38,994, under local government remuneration regulations.
The late Provost Margaret Cooper had a lifetime of public service in social work and education before being elected as a councillor for Avondale and Strathaven in 2012, going on to become Provost in 2022. Her time in the role included founding the Touch a Life, Make a Difference fundraising initiative in 2024, which raised more than £100,000 for local charities, and leading the campaign to grant the Royal Regiment of Scotland the Freedom of South Lanarkshire in 2023.
Bert Thomson described Cooper as “a real force of nature” who “cared passionately” about the region.
