MSPs pay special Holyrood tribute to Brian Adam

The late MSP Brian Adam has been praised by leaders from across the political divide for his contribution to Scottish politics and his bravery in the face of illness.
Brian Adam (front) heading a road safety campaign for bikers in 2003. Picture: ComplimentaryBrian Adam (front) heading a road safety campaign for bikers in 2003. Picture: Complimentary
Brian Adam (front) heading a road safety campaign for bikers in 2003. Picture: Complimentary

MSPs paid tribute to SNP MSP Brian Adam, who died of cancer last week

• MSP for Donside was first elected to Holyrood in 1999 and was SNP chief whip from May 2011 to September last year

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Alex Salmond described Mr Adam as an “exceptional” politician

Mr Adam, who was 64, died at home in Aberdeen last Thursday following a long battle with cancer.

Party leaders and Holyrood’s Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick paid tribute to the SNP member for Aberdeen Donside today during a special motion of condolence led by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Mr Adam’s wife Dorothy, five children Neil, Jamie, Sarah, David and Alan, and other family members attended ahead of his funeral, to be held in Aberdeen tomorrow.

Ms Marwick said: “Like many others in the chamber I treasured Brian Adam both as a friend and as a colleague. Brian was admired across the Parliament because of what lay at his core - he was simply a good and decent man.

“He was admired, he was respected and he was loved. We will all miss him, and our Parliament will be the poorer without him.”

Mr Salmond reflected on Mr Adam’s political career, which began in local government in Aberdeen, before he was elected as an MSP in 1999.

He described the key role played by Mr Adam as chief whip during the days of SNP minority government between 2007 and 2011, stating that his consensual approach had proved to be a “priceless resource”.

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“He was a family man, kind and generous friend, outstanding politician and he will be sorely missed, he said.

“Brian was a great source of support for new members. He would say only ever promise to do your best. I know this chamber would agree that Brian always did his best and every single one of us are in his debt.”

Opposition leaders also paid tribute to the former minister for parliamentary business.

Speaking for Labour, leader Johann Lamont said: “Brian’s courage and strength of character in overcoming the challenges his condition brought, continuing his work in the parliament, speaking in debates while he could, contributing to the politics of Scotland, have been a source of admiration, inspiration and respect from us all.”

Conservative leader Ruth Davidson agreed Mr Adam’s “exceptional abilities” as chief whip had helped maintain the minority SNP government.

She added: “Brian had friends on every side of this chamber. He was as decent, as diligent, as principled a member of this parliament as we have ever seen.”

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “What impressed me most throughout was that he managed to remain a good and decent man, a man his family and friends will forever be proud of.”

Speaking for the Greens and independent MSPs, Patrick Harvie said Mr Adam would be remembered as “helpful, considerate, warm, friendly and approachable”.