Scotland Mourns Loss of Influential Political Figure
The Scottish political landscape has lost one of its most respected figures with the passing of Lord Wallace of Tankerness, who died last Thursday from complications following elective surgery. Aged just 71, the former Liberal Democrat leader was remembered this week as a kind, unassuming politician of profound Christian faith who made significant contributions to Scottish governance.
A Life of Public Service
Jim Wallace, as he was known before his elevation to the peerage, began his political career remarkably young, being elected as MP for Orkney and Shetland before reaching thirty years of age. His commitment to public service extended beyond conventional politics, culminating in the extraordinary honour of being elected as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in May 2021 – a remarkable achievement for a ruling elder rather than an ordained minister.
Wallace played a crucial role in Scottish devolution, helping to devise the final Labour/Liberal Democrat settlement from 1992 onwards. He served for six years as Scotland's first ever Deputy First Minister, a role in which colleagues and observers noted he excelled, often displaying greater composure and effectiveness than some of his contemporaries.
Political Journey and Legacy
In 1983, Wallace was parachuted into the Orkney and Shetland constituency to succeed former Liberal leader Jo Grimond, who had held the seat since 1950. This represented a significant geographical shift for the Dumfriesshire-raised politician, necessitating years of extensive travel between the islands and mainland Scotland.
Following his unexpected resignation as Deputy First Minister in May 2005, Wallace enjoyed a political swansong between 2010 and 2015, serving as Advocate General for Scotland within the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government and taking his seat in the House of Lords.
Controversial Decisions and Lasting Impact
While widely respected for his personal qualities, Wallace's political legacy includes several controversial decisions that continue to shape Scottish politics. The electoral system he helped design with Scottish Labour colleagues, intended to prevent dominance by any single party, ultimately failed to prevent an SNP majority in 2011.
Further criticism has been directed at two significant deals Wallace negotiated in May 1999, shortly after the Scottish Parliament's establishment. These arrangements disadvantaged list MSPs – who comprised most Nationalist and all Conservative members at that time – and controversially allocated opposition funding to his own Liberal Democrat party despite their coalition status with Labour.
Perhaps his most puzzling decision came after the 2003 Scottish Parliament election, when Wallace insisted on implementing proportional representation for local council elections as a condition for entering a second coalition with Jack McConnell. The timing of the first such elections alongside the 2007 Holyrood poll caused considerable voter confusion and ultimately disadvantaged his own party while benefiting the SNP.
Personal Character and Final Years
Colleagues and journalists remembered Wallace this week as a politician who bore no grudges and never kept score of political slights. His famous grin and generous spirit were recalled by many, including former opponents who noted his capacity to move beyond political differences.
In his final years, Wallace remained active in both political and community life, recently participating in festive carol services with the Dunblane Cathedral Choir, of which he was a happy member. His unexpected death has prompted reflection on a political career spanning more than four decades and touching almost every aspect of Scottish public life.
The political establishment's loss was perhaps best summarised by one observer who noted: "We miss the man – and we shall miss his type." Lord Wallace of Tankerness leaves behind a complex legacy that will continue to influence Scottish politics for years to come.
