Mr George Knox has asked that his money be used to benefit the elderly in Galashiels where he was town clerk from 1969 to 1975.
Council leader David Parker said the authority would work to ensure the greatest benefit to the community from an "extraordinary act of generosity".
Mr Knox started his local government career in the former burgh of Melrose. He then returned to his home town of Galashiels where he served first as deputy town clerk and then town clerk.
In 1975 he became the first director of administration for the new district council for Ettrick and Lauderdale.
'Absolutely delighted'
He served until 1980 and, on his retirement, was awarded the MBE for service to local government.
He continued his service by doing voluntary work in the Scottish Borders and nationally.
Mr Parker said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this bequest.
"We will fully explore how best to use this gift to ensure that the elderly of Galashiels receive the maximum benefit over the years to come of this extraordinary act of generosity."
It is the second significant bequest in the Borders in a matter of weeks.
Earlier this month it was revealed a retired nurse had left more than £500,000 towards the creation of a hospice in the region. [rc]
© BBC MMIX
September 25, 2009
UK: Former town clerk's £400,000 fortune to help elderly
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GALASHIELS, Scotland / BBC News / September 25, 2009
A former town clerk has left more than £400,000 to be used to benefit the elderly in a south of Scotland town.
George Knox died earlier this year, aged 93, and left much of his estate to Scottish Borders Council.
Mr George Knox has asked that his money be used to benefit the elderly in Galashiels where he was town clerk from 1969 to 1975.
Council leader David Parker said the authority would work to ensure the greatest benefit to the community from an "extraordinary act of generosity".
Mr Knox started his local government career in the former burgh of Melrose. He then returned to his home town of Galashiels where he served first as deputy town clerk and then town clerk.
In 1975 he became the first director of administration for the new district council for Ettrick and Lauderdale.
'Absolutely delighted'
He served until 1980 and, on his retirement, was awarded the MBE for service to local government.
He continued his service by doing voluntary work in the Scottish Borders and nationally.
Mr Parker said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this bequest.
"We will fully explore how best to use this gift to ensure that the elderly of Galashiels receive the maximum benefit over the years to come of this extraordinary act of generosity."
It is the second significant bequest in the Borders in a matter of weeks.
Earlier this month it was revealed a retired nurse had left more than £500,000 towards the creation of a hospice in the region. [rc]
© BBC MMIX
Mr George Knox has asked that his money be used to benefit the elderly in Galashiels where he was town clerk from 1969 to 1975.
Council leader David Parker said the authority would work to ensure the greatest benefit to the community from an "extraordinary act of generosity".
Mr Knox started his local government career in the former burgh of Melrose. He then returned to his home town of Galashiels where he served first as deputy town clerk and then town clerk.
In 1975 he became the first director of administration for the new district council for Ettrick and Lauderdale.
'Absolutely delighted'
He served until 1980 and, on his retirement, was awarded the MBE for service to local government.
He continued his service by doing voluntary work in the Scottish Borders and nationally.
Mr Parker said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this bequest.
"We will fully explore how best to use this gift to ensure that the elderly of Galashiels receive the maximum benefit over the years to come of this extraordinary act of generosity."
It is the second significant bequest in the Borders in a matter of weeks.
Earlier this month it was revealed a retired nurse had left more than £500,000 towards the creation of a hospice in the region. [rc]
© BBC MMIX
