Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP has released the following statement on the passing of former Highlands and Islands MSP, Sir Jamie McGrigor, a friend and former colleague:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Jamie McGrigor.
“Sir Jamie was a proud champion for his home of Argyll, for the Highlands and Islands region he represented so faithfully and effectively for nearly 17 years as an MSP, and for rural Scotland.
“He was the first MSP to defeat the then Scottish Executive in Parliament, was a strong and loyal ally for our farming and fishing communities, and expertly steered his Tartans Bill through Holyrood.
“Jamie was always the life and soul of any social event, often entertaining folk with his guitar and repertoire of songs, and I never heard anyone who knew Jamie to have had a bad word to say about him.
“He was a thoroughly decent man, a good friend and someone who supported me throughout my time in politics, always ready to provide advice and guidance.
“I was pleased that he was able to join me as my guest as we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament in September, a body he gave such dedicated service to. And I think he always enjoyed his visits back to Holyrood.
“My thoughts are with his family and many friends, and his children Sibylla, Sarah, Violet, Rosie, Daisy and Alexander. He will be greatly missed by them and by us all”.
