Cosla Chief ‘Humbled’ By Honour

Cosla president Pat Watters has said he was humbled after being honoured for his services to local government. Mr Watters who is also a councillor in South Lanarkshire has been involved in local politics for 35 years.

The 58-year-old from East Kilbride, who has twice been elected president of local authority body Cosla, was made a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

He said: “I am very humbled for the fact I’m being honoured for something I thoroughly enjoy doing.”

Mr Watters was born and brought up in the Gorbals, Glasgow, has been married for 37 years and has two grow-up children.

He added: “It’s a bit like a footballer getting paid to do something you enjoying doing. I’m getting recognised for something I enjoy doing. It’s not a job it’s an absolute delight to serve the community.”