Scotland’s First Minister dies aged 63 and Thomas Cook report travel boom
This week in 2000, Scotland was mourning its First Minister Donald Dewar, who died aged 63 after suffering from a brain haemorrhage. His son and daughter were at his side and took the difficult decision to switch off his life support system after consulting with doctors at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.
The Queen, Prime Minister, and the Prince of Wales joined in a wave of tributes to Mr Dewar from all sections of life and across the political divide throughout Britain and beyond.
Tony Blair said the sudden death of Mr Dewar had left a deep sense of loss. “He was, indeed, the father of his nation and a huge figure in UK politics. A fond father to his children, Ian and Marion. A trusted colleague, and an extraordinary friend.”
In other news, a report from travel agents Thomas Cook showed that while the domestic tourism industry continued to struggle, increasing numbers of Britons were choosing to escape the cold winter months with overseas holidays in the sun.
Thomas Cook reported that more than one million Britons had already booked a sunshine break to escape the poor weather at home, and said they expected the total to reach as high as five million.
Meanwhile, the pop star George Michael was revealed as the new owner of John Lennon’s historic piano after paying £1.45 million for it at an auction.
The singer vowed to keep the instrument, on which the late Beatles legend composed his peace anthem Imagine, in the UK.
Also this week in 2000, Liz Hurley was greeted by protesters at the Los Angeles premiere of her film Bedazzled.
The British actress had outraged fellow actors by filming an advert during the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike.
SAG members had been on strike for months over “pay for play” conditions in adverts.
Hurley claimed that she was not aware of the strike when she filmed the Estée Lauder advert.