Figures who shaped history take their place in tome

Two Liberal politicians from the north are among the new names in the 2019 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

They have been joined by other figures from the region who have become part of the comprehensive record of men and women who have shaped British history, in every corner of the globe, from prehistory to 2015.

Charles Kennedy, the Inverness-born former leader of the Liberal Democrats, was one of the main opponents of the Iraq war in 2003 and helped his party win 62 seats at the 2005 general election.

His relaxed style of leadership and willingness to engage the media made him a familiar face and a much-admired politician, although critics derided him as ‘Chat Show Charlie’ and he died prematurely, aged 55, after a long battle with alcoholism.

From a much older generation, George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie, who lived from 1919 to 2015, was a farmer, Bomber Command veteran, Liberal MP, and Lib Dem peer, who rescued Caithness Glass from oblivion and was a major figure in the public life of north-east Scotland for more than six decades.

The Oxford DNB also commemorates the legacy of Ena Baxter, who was the driving force and catalyst for the global company, Baxters of Speyside.

The publication also celebrates the beautiful voice of Flora MacNeil from Barra in the Outer Hebrides, who became the best-known performer of Scottish Gaelic music throughout her long life.

Some other prominent figures include politicians Denis Healey, Geoffrey Howe and Leon Brittan; singers Cilla Black, Errol Brown and Val Doonican; writers Sir Terry Pratchett, William McIlvanney, Ruth Rendell; and actors Sir Christopher Lee, Geraldine McEwan and Saeed Jaffrey.

There is also recognition for Sir Nicholas Winton, the “British Schindler”; Edward Montagu, founder of the National Motor Museum; and Cynthia Payne, the “Streatham madam”.