Tributes flood in as Scottish Labour veteran campaigner Ian Miller dies

Ian Miller, a stalwart of the Scottish Labour party and a long-serving committee member of Penicuik Athletic Football Club, has passed away.

Ian Miller, a Scottish Labour Party veteran, has passed away.

It is understood that Mr Miller, who was also a long standing member of the Scottish Co-operative Society, died unexpectedly.

A minute's silence will be held by Penicuik Athletic before the club’s match this Saturday against Tynecastle.

The current vice-chair of Scottish Labour, John (Ian) Miller had been a branch manager of the Penicuik Scotmid department store for 15 years, and held many positions within the co-operative movement, including serving on the SCS board of directors.

He was a Scottish Labour and Co-operative candidate in the 2010 general election in the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk seat, as well as being a Holyrood candidate in the 2011 election, and was long-term election agent for Midlothian councillor, and former Provost, Adam Montgomery.

A founding member of Fairtrade Midlothian, he also represented Midlothian Council on the Prison Visiting Committee for eight years, helping offenders who were having problems within the penal system.

Former Labour MP for Midlothian, Danielle Rowley, said: “Ian was truly one of a kind. A caring friend, passionate Co-operator and Labour member, stalwart of his community, and always had everyone in stitches with his humour.

“Ian was a very supportive and dear friend to me and I will miss him greatly, as I know so many will.”

Tributes were also paid to Mr Miller on social media. An official tweet from Scottish Labour said: “We are incredibly sad at the news of the passing of our Vice-Chair Ian Miller. A stalwart of the co-operative movement, Ian was loved by all in our party. His unconditional comradeship and hope for a fairer world is a legacy we shall endeavour to honour.”

Former Scottish Labour general secretary Brian Roy said: “There will be many things said and written in @scottishlabour circles about Ian Miller. And rightly so. He was a dear friend and comrade, who will be sorely missed. RIP pal.”

Former Labour MP Paul Sweeney said: “Saddened that my comrade and friend Ian Miller has passed away. A true gentleman, who was always there with a word of optimistic encouragement for others, even at the hardest of times.

"His dedication to the Co-operative & Labour movement over so many years is an inspiration. RIP”

Ex-MSP Drew Smith said: “If you’ve ever been to Scottish Labour Party conference or whether you went to 30, the chances are that Ian Miller introduced himself at your first and spoke to you every time he saw you thereafter. There’s not many people in politics you can say that about. Rest well comrade.”

Mr Miller was also a long serving committee member of Penicuik Athletic Football Club and in a statement, the club said: “Ian was involved in the club for many a year and gave us great support and assistance. Ian was a part of the wider Penicuik community as part of the towns Co-Operative and Labour movements. He held office in both the Co-Operative and Scottish Labour parties and was very active in Midlothian politics. He will be missed by all, in all walks of life.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ian's wide circle of family and friends at this time.”

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