Tributes to former Labour and Conservative Ministers

Paying tribute to former Labour UK Chancellor, MP and peer, Lord Alistair Darling, and former Conservative MSP, MP and peer Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster said:

"This week we have lost two elder statesmen of Scottish and UK politics following the deaths of former Edinburgh MPs Alistair Darling and Lord James of Selkirk. Both were deeply committed public servants and highly regarded across the political spectrum.

"Lord Darling was a former member of the Law Society, prior to qualifying as an advocate and his election as a member of parliament in 1987. He devoted his life to public service, becoming an MP just a few years into his legal career. As UK Chancellor he was recognised for his calm and decisive approach during the global financial crisis of 2008, as well as his role as Secretary of State for Scotland and as a Scottish peer in the House of Lords. In addition to his senior political roles, he will be remembered for his deep commitment to his Edinburgh constituents, serving the city as an MP for almost three decades.

"Lord James also had a legal background as an advocate and an interim Procurator Fiscal Depute prior to being elected as an MP in 1974, representing Edinburgh constituents for 23 years in the House of Commons. During that time he served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and as Minister of State. Lord James was also one of Scotland’s first MSPs, serving from 1999 to 2007, and a life peer in the House of Lords. He was a highly knowledgeable and committed parliamentarian.

"The Law Society worked with both while they were serving MPs in different political parties on the Law Reform Miscellaneous Provisions (Scotland) Bill in 1989/90. Among other changes brought forward by the legislation, it opened up conveyancing and executry practice and saw solicitors gain rights of audience in the High Court and Court of Session for the first time with the introduction of solicitor advocates.

"Our deepest condolences go to their families and loved ones at this time."