Convener's tribute to Lord Wallace

On behalf of Orkney Islands Council – both elected members and officers – I want to place on record our deep sadness at the passing of Lord Wallace.

Jim served this community with distinction for many decades - first as MP for Orkney and Shetland from 1983, and later as Orkney's first MSP when the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999.

He went on to become Scotland's first Deputy First Minister, and his leadership provided significant stability during challenging periods in those first years of the Scottish Parliament, including when he was twice called upon to serve as Acting First Minister - first following the passing of Donald Dewar, and later after the resignation of Henry McLeish.

Throughout his career, Lord Wallace was a key figure in Scottish devolution and his involvement in the Calman Commission underscored his dedication to strengthening Scotland's constitutional arrangements and improving how the country is governed.

Outside his political life, he was a distinguished lawyer - appointed Queen's Counsel in 1997 - and was held in high regard across both Holyrood and Westminster for his sharp legal mind, unwavering principles and steady, thoughtful approach to leadership.

He was also Advocate General for Scotland from 2010 to 2015 and was made Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland between 2021-22, as a member of St Magnus Cathedral.

Lord Wallace always took a strong and genuine interest in the work of Orkney Islands Council and was always a supporter of what we sought to achieve for our community. His contribution to Orkney was immense. He embodied the very highest standards of public service, something that has been rightly recognised by politicians from across the political spectrum in the tributes that have followed his passing.

Even after stepping back from frontline politics, Lord Wallace remained closely connected to Orkney, showing a sincere commitment and dedication to these islands and its people. That connection was one of his greatest strengths. He was a true champion for Orkney, and we remain extremely grateful for everything he did on behalf of this community.

It was fitting that when he was made a peer in 2007, he chose to enter the House of Lords as Lord Wallace of Tankerness, in recognition of our county.

We were honoured that he accepted our invitation to speak at the Council's 50th anniversary event held at St Magnus Cathedral last month. In his opening remarks, he said, 'I was somewhat shocked to realise that for almost half [the 50 years of the Council's existence] – the 24 years from 1983 to 2007 – I had the privilege of representing Orkney at a Parliamentary level, either at Westminster or Holyrood and for two years from 1999-2001, at both'.

In his closing comments he reflected, 'So what do I conclude from my experiences of representing Orkney and working with councillors and successive governments? In a nutshell it is that people matter', and that 'we can't always be expected to agree but conducting our business in a constructive and respectful manner focussing on the common weal of this special and unique islands community must surely be the goal to which we all aspire.'

These are words which are befitting of a great man who was truly committed to this community and public service. He will be greatly missed.

We offer our condolences to Rosie and the family at this deeply sad time.