Councillor in swift return to work after brain surgery

Economic development leader Tom Buchanan underwent the procedure at the Western General late last month shortly after his condition first came to light.

The Liberton/Gilmerton representative was expected to be off work for some time but has stunned colleagues with his recovery. Councillor Buchanan attended the monthly full council meeting and contributed to the final debate of the current five-year administration, of which he has been a senior figure.

He ensured his candidacy for the south Edinburgh ward had been entered shortly before entering hospital.

He told the Evening News he was delighted to be back and he quipped: “The way I see it there’s two options – either I can be stuck at home and have my wife phoning to check up on me or I can come here today. It’s good to be back.”

Cllr Buchanan, who has a background in sales and marketing, has been closely involved in key development projects in his role as the city’s economic development leader and spoke yesterday in a debate on the new Green Investment Bank.

Deputy council leader Steve Cardownie, also leader of the SNP Edinburgh group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom back after his operation.

“He’s been in fine fettle and has been his usual self, cracking jokes at our group meetings along with making some serious points in discussions. I’m glad to see he is relishing entering the political foray again.

“It’s testimony to his resilience that he’s come back so quickly. I’m sure I speak for all parties when I say we were delighted to see him back in the chamber yesterday.”

Cllr Buchanan was elected to the city council at the 2007 elections and quickly emerged as a leading member of the new 12-strong SNP group. He became a key figure in the coalition formed by the SNP and the Liberal Democrats to run the city and his position as economic development leader has placed him at the centre of major city developments.