Scottish Political Press Releases – Donald Dewar's death
Scotland mourns the death of First Minister Donald Dewar
Press release issued by the Scottish Labour Party, 11 October 2000
John Lambie, Chair of the Scottish Labour Party, said:
Scotland has lost a true friend with the death of Donald Dewar. His loss will be felt not just throughout the Labour movement, but by the whole of Scotland.
Everyone recognised in Donald an inherent sense of decency, a real commitment to parliamentary democracy and social justice, coupled with tremendous warmth and a wonderful sense of humour.
It is entirely fitting that the Scottish Parliament will become his legacy, given his lifelong commitment to devolution, and the massive part he played in setting up and leading the Parliament through its first year.