Tributes to ‘giant of politics’
Tributes have poured in for former MP and Father of the House, Tam Dalyell from across the political spectrum.
Partisan politics were put to one side as local MPs, MSPs and councillors joined the leaders of the main parties to pause and remember the“giant of politics”.
The flags at West Lothian Civic Centre were lowered to half-mast last Friday as a mark of respect and books of condolence have also been opened across the county so local people can also share their memories and leave messages for his family.
Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party led tributes to Tam. He said:“I’m so sad to hear of the death of my good friend and comrade Tam Dalyell. Our thoughts are with his family.
“Tam was a titan of parliamentary scrutiny, fearless in pursuit of the truth.”
First Minsiter Nicola Sturgeon described him as“a real giant of Scottish politics”, adding he would be“fondly remembered by his countless friends right across the political spectrum”.
John McGinty, leader of West Lothian Council, described him as a man of“outstanding talent”who would be missed.
“On behalf of everyone associated with West Lothian Council I would first like to express my sincere condolences to Tam’s family, in particular his wife Kathleen, at this very sad time,”he said. Tam was a man of outstanding and extraordinary talent and a political giant both in West Lothian and across the UK.
“Persuasive, highly intelligent and a man of outstanding integrity, his contribution to West Lothian, his constituents and the wider UK political landscape was immense.
“He will be sadly missed and mourned by us all.”
Meanwhile Provost Tom Kerr said: “Tam Dalyell was widely acknowledged as an intelligent, independent-minded politician and he was well-known in West Lothian and admired by those who met him.
“On behalf of the people of West Lothian I would like convey our deepest condolences to Tam’s family and friends.”
Labour MSP Neil Findlay described him as“my greatest political friend and a mentor for almost 30 years”.
He continued:“He was without doubt one of the greatest parliamentarians of the last 50 years.
“As a parliamentarian he was the best of the best.
“If many of today’s politicians had an ounce of Tam’s independence of mind and were more willing to ignore the dictat from party managers, our politics would be in much better shape.”
SNP politicians Fiona Hyslop and Hannah Bardell also paid tribute to Tam.
Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop said:“I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Tam Dalyell — a remarkable political force whose sharp intellect and tenacity commanded respect both nationally and here in his former West Lothian constituency.
“He was a dedicated conviction politician and who was utterly committed to standing up for what he believed in and was committed to public service.
“I visited Tam and Kathleen at the House of the Binns in recent years to discuss the heritage of the house, and I enjoyed our stimulating historical and political discussion. He was always polite and courteous to me when we met at constituency engagements and he cared deeply about West Lothian and its people.
“Tam Dalyell will be sorely missed by all who knew him and my thoughts are with Kathleen and his family at this sad time.”
And SNP MP Hannah Bardell added:“I was desperately sad to hear the news that Tam Dalyell has died, and I’ll be thinking about his wife and family at this very sad time.
“I was chatting to Tam at a local event just a few months ago and I found him to be very generous and kind. I really enjoyed our conversation.
“Tam was a giant of Scottish politics, and regardless of whether or not you agreed with his views, he made a huge impact and will be missed across the political spectrum.”
The books of condolence are located at Linlithgow Burgh Halls; Bathgate Partnership Centre, West Lothian Civic Centre, Whitburn Burgh Halls, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Armadale Customer Information Centre and Fauldhouse Partnership Centre.
The flags at West Lothian Civic Centre will be lowered again on the day of Tam’s funeral.