Scots farmers mourn First Minister

11 October 2000



Scots farmers mourn First Minister

By FWi staff

SCOTTISH farmers paid tribute to First Minister Donald Dewar who has died of a brain haemorrhage following a fall outside his official residence in Edinburgh

Jim Walker, president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, said: “I want to express our deep sadness at the tragic loss of Donald Dewar.

“He was a straight-dealing, honest man of great integrity and a wicked sense of humour. I always knew when I went to see him that, whether we agreed or not, I would always get a fair hearing.”

Mr Walker added: “Nobody could have asked for anyone better to represent our interest at the highest level. Despite the fact that he was not a farmer he had a great understanding and affection for the countryside.

“On a political level, he will be a hard act to follow, but at this time our thoughts are with his family. I, personally, will miss him.”