Tributes paid to Edinburgh councillor after sudden death

Tributes have been paid to Edinburgh councillor Val Walker, who has died suddenly at home.

The Labour member was elected to the Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart ward in 2022 and served as the culture convener for the local authority.

Council leader Jane Meagher said she would be “a great loss,” adding colleagues would “miss her immensely”.

Flags at the City Chambers will fly at half mast as a mark of respect.

Mrs Walker worked in council’s libraries and the education sector prior to her election.

She was also a representative for the UNISON trade union and served on the board of organisations including the Edinburgh Science Festival and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Councillor Meagher said Mrs Walker was a “tireless campaigner” and a “great champion” of Edinburgh’s festivals.

She said: “I was extremely sad to hear of Val’s sudden and unexpected death and my thoughts are with her family and friends.

“It was a privilege to get to know Val, both as a friend and colleague.

“Val is a great loss to the council, to her colleagues and to the city. We will miss her immensely.”