Millan tribute

Published on 25/02/2013 02:58

We were sad to read of the death of Bruce Millan. We were among those who served on the committee that bore his name and sat from 1999 to 2001 to produce proposals for reform of mental health legislation in Scotland.

That Scotland has enlightened and widely-admired legislation in the form of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 is due in no small measure to Bruce Millan. It was an inspired choice of the former Scottish Executive to appoint Bruce, then into his 70s, to lead the review of mental health law in Scotland. He chaired the committee with determination, intellectual rigour and considerable skill. He had a strong concern for those affected by mental disorders, not only service users but also the families, friends and carers who support them. The committee produced a unanimous report, notwithstanding the broad range of interests represented in its membership; we are sure we can say that he earned the warm respect of all those who served on it.

Among his many other achievements, he should be remembered for this major contribution to the mental health field.

Dr JAT Dyer

Former director of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

HILARY PATRICK

Honorary Fellow, School of Law, University of Edinburgh

MARY WEIR

Former chief executive of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), now known as Support in Mind Scotland