Tributes to Sir William
‘He will be missed by so many’
Warm tributes have been paid to the life and work of Sir William Macpherson of Cluny following his death at the age of 94.
The highly-respected and popular Blairgowrie resident passed away at home with family members by his side on Sunday.
A retired High Court judge and former army officer, Sir William led the public inquiry into the murder in 1993 of Stephen Lawrence – established in 1997 in order to identify the lessons to be learned in terms of the investigation and prosecution of racially-motivated crimes.
The document concluded the investigation into Mr Lawrence’s death was “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership” within the Metropolitan Police, making a total of 70 recommendations.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney described the landmark report as “seminal” and was also keen to pay tribute to the “great benefit” Sir William’s close ties to east Perthshire had in terms of local community life.
The Deputy First Minister said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir William Macpherson.
“He was a hugely-respected High Court judge, whose seminal report on the death of Stephen Lawrence was a mark of the rigour, challenge, humanity and independent mind for which he was widely respected.
“His roots in Blairgowrie, and his constant connection with the area, brought him much joy and great benefit to the local community.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers said: “I am sad to hear of the passing of Sir William and my condolences go to Lady Hilary and all his family and his many friends.
“I know Sir William had a long
and distinguished legal career and I enjoyed discussions about national issues.
“At home in Blairgowrie, Sir William was always so approachable regarding local projects and opened his home to many events for the groups which were close to his heart – the heritage organisations in the town, BOOKMARK and, of course, Blair in Bloom.
“Sir William always attended the Blair in Bloom AGM and a particularly special afternoon was the group’s 40th anniversary, when Sir William and Lady Hilary opened their home and garden for a lovely garden party. The sun shone and it was a lovely way to mark a milestone date.”
Cllr Shiers continued: “Sir William was always in attendance at big events in the town. He will be missed by so many.
“His contribution to the life of
the local community was that of generosity and genuine interest.
“I am grateful to have known him and hope we can formally mark his life in due course.”
Blairgowrie Golf Club captain, James Macfarlane, said the members were saddened to learn of the passing of the popular figure, believed to be the club’s longestserving member.
Mr Macfarlane said: “Sir William was very pleased to have been appointed an honorary member of the club at its AGM last December.
“Having first played at Blairgowrie at the age of eleven in 1937, we believe that Bill was our longest-serving member.
“Obituaries will speak of his distinguished career in law and in other areas. It is for his contributions to the life and the wellbeing of Blairgowrie Golf Club that we held him in such high esteem.
“He was ever a charming, witty and engaging personality and members will always remember him with affection each time we pass the bridge on Rosemount’s 17th hole, which was erected and named in his honour.”
A spokesperson for the Clan Macpherson Association said of Sir William: “We were fortunate to have had his guidance, support and leadership for an incredible 50 years and the world will have benefited from his 94 years on this earth. His phrase ‘first amongst equals’ doesn’t even start to mark the presence he had.
“To his son, Jamie, and daughter, Annie, their families and Lady Hilary we offer our condolences and, to him, our thanks for being part of this life.”
The flag at the Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore was flown at half-mast yesterday as a mark of respect.
The popular Alyth and District Agricultural Show has become one of the first local events to announce that it will not be taking place for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of events up and down the country were forced to cancel last year as the Covid-19 health crisis swept the nation.
And the logisitical implications of holding events this year amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential restrictions and guidelines mean that many of those behind the events, who are often volunteers, are having to make difficult decisions once again.
In a statement on its social media pages, a spokesperson for Alyth Show – one of the highlights in the east Perthshire calendar – said: “Sadly our president and officebearers have had to make the sad decision again this year to cancel our show which was due to be held on Saturday, June 12.
“We look forward to welcoming you all back next year to our show on Saturday, June 18, and let’s keep our fingers crossed our calendars start to fill up with all our local shows ready to return for a bumper 2022.”
Local MSP and deputy first minister of Scotland, John Swinney, is a long-term supporter of Alyth Show.
He said: “The Alyth Show is a muchloved event and a cherished local tradition.
“While entirely necessary, it is sad news that this year’s show will be cancelled.
“As a result of the prompt roll-out of the vaccine, I am hopeful that we will be able to gather together and enjoy a great day at the Alyth Show in 2022.”
Perth and Kinross Council Provost, Dennis Melloy, is a local councillor for the Strathmore area.
He said: “The cancellation of this year’s Alyth Show will come as no surprise following last year’s decision to cancel due to the Covid -19 pandemic which unfortunately continues to affect all our lives.
“I have nothing but admiration for the show committee and all their volunteers who work so hard in organising the Alyth Show, which is an enormous undertaking.
“They have also been very unlucky as they had to cancel a few years ago due to very heavy rainfall.
“I sincerely hope that this Covid pandemic will be under control next year and we will all be able to meet up and enjoy the Alyth Show in 2022.”
The Alyth and District Agricultural Show organising committee is to hold its AGM online on later this month.
The date for next year’s show has been set as Saturday, June 18, 2022.