Tributes Flow for Lord Jim Wallace, Scottish Devolution Architect
The sudden death of former Scottish deputy first minister Lord Jim Wallace has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum, with colleagues praising his lifelong dedication to public service and his foundational role in shaping modern Scottish governance.
A Sudden Loss Following Surgery
The 71-year-old Liberal Democrat peer, a former MP and MSP, passed away on Thursday at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His death resulted from complications arising from a planned major operation, marking a sudden and profound loss for Scottish politics.
Praise from the Advocate General
Baroness Catherine Smith, the current Advocate General for Scotland who provides legal advice to the UK Government on Scottish matters, expressed deep sadness at the news. She highlighted Lord Wallace's "dedication, decency and compassion" throughout his extensive career.
"His is a story of lifelong public service, undertaken with dedication, decency and compassion, for which we should all be grateful," Baroness Smith stated. She emphasised that he had played a "vital part" in delivering and securing the devolution settlement for Scotland.
A Pillar of Scottish Political Life
Lord Wallace's political career was remarkably broad and influential:
- He served as the first deputy first minister of Scotland, supporting three different first ministers in that role.
- He acted as interim first minister on three separate occasions.
- He represented Orkney and Shetland as an MP, and later Orkney as an MSP.
- He held the position of Advocate General for Scotland.
- He served in both chambers of the UK Parliament.
- Most recently, he served as moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Colleagues Remember a Decent and Thoughtful Leader
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton described Lord Wallace as "one of the architects of modern Scotland and one of the finest liberals our party has ever produced."
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was "profoundly shocked" by the death, noting that "as the first ever deputy first minister of Scotland, Lord Wallace was a hugely important figure in shaping Scotland's modern political national life." He added that Wallace's contribution was demonstrated by "the success and strength of the Scottish Parliament."
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander paid tribute, stating: "Jim was the kind of politician that gives politics a good name. Decent, thoughtful and dutiful, he embodied much that is best in our national life." He noted that as Scotland's first deputy first minister, Wallace "helped shape the very foundations of our devolved Parliament" and that his leadership during those early years set the tone for the institution today.
A Lasting Legacy of Service
Baroness Smith recalled that just last December, Lord Wallace delivered a "fascinating lecture" at Dover House, the Scotland Office's main London base, where he shared insights on the Scottish and UK parliaments and the journey of devolution. The address was described as "hugely valued" by all who attended.
Holyrood Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone expressed her sorrow, stating: "Jim gave so freely of his time, experience and expertise, and in recent years I was so grateful for his support. A pillar of the Scottish Parliament and a truly honourable man. I will miss him."
Across political divides, colleagues remembered a man of faith and principle whose work helped establish the Scottish Parliament's foundations and whose character earned him widespread respect and admiration.
