Donald Dewar dies.
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Donald Dewar dies.
Scotland is in mourning for the 'Father of our nation' Donald Dewar. From freeserves web site>
'The world of politics has reacted with shock and sadness after Scottish First Minister Donald Dewar lost his fight for life.
Mr Dewar was pronounced dead at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital from a brain haemorrhage.
His children Ian, 33, and Marion, 35, who dashed to his bedside from their homes in London and Brussels, made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life-support machine after discussions with consultants.
The machine has remained switched on this afternoon, however, to allow the pair to spend more time with their father and while a decision is taken on whether any of his organs will be donated for transplantation.
The tributes to Mr Dewar have been led by the Queen, who also sent a personal message to his family, and Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen and all members of the Royal Family are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Donald Dewar's death.
"His passion for Scotland and all things Scottish was renowned, and his contribution to the historic process of devolution in recent years has been immense. As her First Minister in Scotland, Her Majesty has valued greatly his wise counsel and knows how much he will be missed in Scotland and wider afield."
Mr Blair was obviously deeply distressed as he paid tribute to Mr Dewar. He said: "Personally I will remember him as a very good friend ... he was as strong and supportive as any friend could be."
History would remember Mr Dewar for his "passionate belief in social justice" as well as for his role in the creation of the Scottish Parliament, said Mr Blair.
The First Minister was taken ill yesterday after a fall on the steps of his official residence in Edinburgh.'
Truely a sad day for a man who transended the social society of our great country. Our thoughts are with his family on this very sad day in your nations history.
[This message has been edited by Saltire (edited 11 October 2000).]
'The world of politics has reacted with shock and sadness after Scottish First Minister Donald Dewar lost his fight for life.
Mr Dewar was pronounced dead at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital from a brain haemorrhage.
His children Ian, 33, and Marion, 35, who dashed to his bedside from their homes in London and Brussels, made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life-support machine after discussions with consultants.
The machine has remained switched on this afternoon, however, to allow the pair to spend more time with their father and while a decision is taken on whether any of his organs will be donated for transplantation.
The tributes to Mr Dewar have been led by the Queen, who also sent a personal message to his family, and Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen and all members of the Royal Family are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Donald Dewar's death.
"His passion for Scotland and all things Scottish was renowned, and his contribution to the historic process of devolution in recent years has been immense. As her First Minister in Scotland, Her Majesty has valued greatly his wise counsel and knows how much he will be missed in Scotland and wider afield."
Mr Blair was obviously deeply distressed as he paid tribute to Mr Dewar. He said: "Personally I will remember him as a very good friend ... he was as strong and supportive as any friend could be."
History would remember Mr Dewar for his "passionate belief in social justice" as well as for his role in the creation of the Scottish Parliament, said Mr Blair.
The First Minister was taken ill yesterday after a fall on the steps of his official residence in Edinburgh.'
Truely a sad day for a man who transended the social society of our great country. Our thoughts are with his family on this very sad day in your nations history.
[This message has been edited by Saltire (edited 11 October 2000).]
