Jim Mather, Argyll’s MSP, is in the USA on government business this week but has sent the following comment on hearing of the death of Neil MacCormick.

‘I first met Neil in 1972 when he addressed a meeting of Highland students at a social event in Edinburgh and he galvanised my thinking at that time.

‘I did not see him again until the run up to the 1997 referendum and I could see how  the passing years had strengthened his case and built real capability packaged in a warm, learned engaging man who always sought to inform rather than persuade; although the effect was the same.

‘His academic CV is long and distinguished and he was a regular and passionate advocate of the SNP cause culminating in his period as a well loved and respected MEP from 1999 to 2004.

‘Neil’s infectious laughter and his gentle humour will be sadly missed. He achieved real and tangible progress for the cause his family espoused’.

Another tribute from an Argyll man who does not wish to be named but who wanted his appreciation of Neil MacCormick recorded, said: ‘I always thought that his association with Argyll in his political work in Europe shed some gold dust on us. His shining intelligence, ability and integrity were so far in advance of the mediocre norm it gave me hope for Scotland and for Argyll’s role in it’.

Neil MacCormick’s funeral service has been arranged for 11.00am on Friday 17 April at Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk in Edinburgh.

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