On Wednesday, 20 May - after a brief spell in hospital - Alderman David Scott, aged 89, passed away peacefully, due to natural causes.

David was a very well-known person in Exmouth. He was a Rotarian and was involved in many organisations in this district.

David was described by councillors as a lovely man ,who cared so much for Exmouth and it's residents, always wanted to know what it's councillors were doing and was always ready to support new councillors with words of wisdom.

Bruce de Saram, Chair East Devon Cons said: "I was privileged to hear last September David debating the proposed changes to the Fire Services at the Exmouth Town Council Safer Together meeting.

"I witnessed at first hand the passion and local knowledge of Exmouth he brought to bear on a subject which others have spoken about and it was truly inspirational to watch."

Andrew Moulding, Conservative Group Leader said: "Thirty-three years ago, when I first became a councillor on EDDC, David Scott was an excellent chairman of the Housing Committee, which he loved.

"David was a true character, with a twinkle in his eye and a raft of humorous comments, borne from his Liverpudlian roots.

"We kept in contact, particularly when he moved to Lyme Regis, just a few miles from my home near Axminster.

"During my spell as Chairman, attending events in Exmouth, Honorary Alderman David Scott was often in attendance – and was tremendous company.

"David will be sadly missed."

H.A Graham Liverton said: "I am very saddened to hear of David Scott's death. He was a great support to me when l was his Vice Chairman when he was Chairman of the housing committee.

"David was forthright in his thinking and gained respect from his colleagues on EDDC and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"He served Exmouth well and had a great love for the town".

Stuart Hughes, Chairman EDDC said: "Having known David for many years as a colleague on East Devon District Council as well as his involvement with the World of Country Life, he is going to be sadly missed.

"David was a great Chairman of Housing and also had the gift of putting a smile on your face.

"He regularly entered old vehicles from World Of Country Life in local carnivals and nothing was too much trouble for him".

Peter Sullivan, Vice-Chairman Housing review Board said: "Having known David for many years as a Councillor and a member of Tenant Participation, who always fought his corner in his own inimitable way, it is with personal sadness of hearing of his passing, no doubt he will

carry on upstairs telling them how to communicate with action as he always did."

County Cllr Christine Channon said: "Scottie was a real character. He really cared for people and as a consequence was an excellent choice for the Chairman of Housing. I was the Chairman of the Housing Lettings Sub-committee for six years and David was an inspiration and wise counsellor.

"He worked hard for Exmouth even after retiring as a Councillor. He also had a great sense of humour which could add a good sense of levity to even the most difficult of situations. We don't often see his like."