Lord Fraser of Carmyllie dies aged 68

TRIBUTES from across the political divide have been paid to former lord advocate and Conservative minister Lord Fraser of Carmyllie who died suddenly at the weekend.

Tory former minister Lord Fraser of Carmyllie who has died suddenly. Picture: PA

First Minister Alex Salmond described him as having an “outstanding record of public service” while current Tory leader Ruth Davidson said Lord Fraser, who was 68, brought a “formidable intellect” to politics.

As a former lord advocate, the country’s chief prosecutor, he was responsible for the investigation into the Lockerbie bombing.

He later conducted a major public inquiry into the handling, including the spiralling cost, of the Scottish Parliament building project. Mr Salmond said: “Lord Fraser leaves an outstanding record of public service to Scotland as a politician

and, particularly, as lord advocate.

“More recently, he readily agreed to serve as an independent adviser to the Scottish Government on the Ministerial Code – another public service he performed without fear, favour or any remuneration.

“Scottish public life is much poorer for his passing and my thoughts are with his wife, Fiona, and their family at this sad time.”

A funeral service for Lord Fraser’s extended family is being organised and a more public thanksgiving service will be held in a few weeks.

He was married to Lady Fiona Fraser and the pair had three children Jane, Jamie and Katie and seven grandchildren.

Last night, Lady Fraser said: “All of my family are with me in Carmyllie and we are completely devastated by Peter’s sudden and unexpected death.

“On Friday we were making arrangements and filling our diaries with plans for holidays, the Open Golf championship, visits to family and friends and the christening of latest granddaughter, Delphin, and the next morning he was gone.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “Peter brought a formidable intellect to both parliament and government.

“He loved Angus – the area he represented as an MP for so many years.”

Former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and deputy first minister Lord Wallace of Tankerness, the Advocate General for Scotland, also paid tribute.

“Lord Fraser’s death is a sad loss, not only for his family and friends, but for Scotland’s public life,” he said.

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC, said “He gave willingly of his time and was admired by all who worked for him.”