Donald Dewar MP MSP
First Minister of Scotland
1937 - 2000
Donald Dewar, the First 'First Minister' of Scotland in almost 300 years died today (11th Ooctober 2000) at 12.18pm.
Although he was of a different political persuasion to myself and my party, I would like to pay a tribute to someone who was a rare breed in politics - a genuine man with a great love for his country.
Often dubbed the 'Father of the Nation' Donald Dewar was instrumental in bringing about the devolved Scottish Parliament we have today and campaigned tirelessly for its establishment throughout much of his career.
He first entered the House of Commons as MP for Aberdeen South in 1966 and had been MP for Glasgow Garscadden since 1978. He was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland in May 1997 and was elected First Minister of the newly devolved Scottish Parliament on the 6th May 1999 - the first Parliamentary leader of Scotland for almost 300 years.
He will be sadly missed by people of all political persuasions and is a great loss to Scotland.
"The establishment of the Scottish Parliament is a great achievement for the people of Scotland.
"I am very proud, that after so many years of campaigning, this government kept its pledge and legislated for the Scottish Parliament.
"It is now up to the politicians of all parties to make it a success and a power for good on behalf of the Scottish people."
Donald Dewar - 1st July 1999
This page created on 11th October, 2000.