Former West Lothian council boss, Alex Linkston, has been honoured for his extensive career in public service spanning over six decades. Edinburgh Napier University awarded him an honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students from the university’s Business School at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
Linkston dedicated his entire career to West Lothian Council, eventually becoming its chief executive in 1990. He was the youngest person in Scotland to hold such a role at that time and went on to become the longest-serving council chief executive in the country until his retirement in 2010. Recognised as a leader in public sector reform, Linkston played a significant role in the opening of the West Lothian Civic Centre in 2009, which was the largest public sector partnership in the UK at that time.
During his tenure, West Lothian Council was awarded UK Council of the Year in 2006 and became the first UK unitary authority to receive a Charter Mark for the entire organisation in 2007. Linkston also served as the chair of the Forth Valley Health Board from 2012 to 2020 and was a member and chair of the board of West Lothian College from 2005 until June of the current year.
Recognised with several honours throughout his career, including the Quality Scotland Leadership Award in 2007, a CBE in 2008, and the Prince’s Trust Scotland Volunteer of the Year award in 2009, Linkston expressed his gratitude for the honorary doctorate. He stated, “It’s a great honour to receive this award from Edinburgh Napier University. All my senior career I have sought to improve the life chances of West Lothian residents, particularly young people, through education and its now very humbling to receive this prestigious award.”
Commenting on the award presentation, Michael Greenhalgh, director of planning and strategy at Edinburgh Napier University, highlighted Linkston as a “difference maker” and commended his contributions to public service. The recognition of Linkston’s remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication and impact on the community of West Lothian.
In conclusion, Alex Linkston’s story exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated public service in local communities. His commitment to improving the lives of West Lothian residents through education and public sector reform has left a lasting legacy. This recognition from Edinburgh Napier University celebrates not only Linkston’s accomplishments but also the importance of making a difference in the community through long-term dedication and leadership.