Tributes to 'father of Scotland' Dewar

Dewar: Led Scotland into new era

EDINBURGH, Scotland -- The Queen and politicians from all sides have expressed their "shock and sadness" at the death of Scotland's First Minister, Donald Dewar.

Dewar, who has been described by colleagues as the "father of Scotland", had been critically ill with a brain haemorrhage and on a life support machine since falling outside his official Edinburgh residence on Tuesday.

His life support machine was switched off after Dewar's son, Ian and daughter Marion, consulted with doctors on Wednesday. Two close, unnamed, friends had also visited the 63-year-old before his death.

David Whitton, a spokesman for the first minister, said: "It is with deep sadness we have to report that Scotland's First Minister, Donald Dewar has died.

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"He was visited on Wednesday by his daughter and son. After discussions with the consultants the decision was taken to switch off his life support system."

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the Queen was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Dewar's death.

The statement said: "His passion for Scotland was renowned. His contribution has been immense."

It added, that the Queen had appreciated his "wise counsel" and said he would be missed in Scotland and further afield.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair described Dewar as "warm, loyal and a great debunker" as well as "strong and supportive."

"In a world of intrigue he was a man of integrity," he said.

He said Dewar had a "modesty that was almost amusing in its lack of presumption."

"Personally, I will remember him simply as a really good friend," he added. "There is a sense of gratitude for a life well spent."

Dewar had been attributed with establishing devolution for his beloved Scotland, and Charles Kennedy, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, said it was "sad that once he had achieved devolution he did not have time to live it."

Whitton described the first minister as a man of "learning and literature."

"Donald was the best first minister Scotland could have had," he added. "I could not put it plainer."

Helen Liddell, UK trade and industry minister described Dewar as a "remarkable man."

Doctors speaking at a press conference said his brain haemorrhage could have been linked to the major heart surgery he underwent earlier in the year.

Dewar had been admitted to hospital in Glasgow for surgery to have a defective heart valve replaced with a mechanical device, and spent several weeks recuperating at home.

He had been taking a drug as part of his post-operation treatment which thins the blood and can lead to complications.

"An operation after the fall would not have helped at all," a medical expert said.

The fall had initiated a series of events which had been "irretrievable."

Dewar had shown signs of physical tiredness in the months following the heart surgery but had been mentally on top of his job.

"In recent days he had been on particularly good form," Whitton said.

Dewar was taken to hospital on Tuesday after complaining of feeling unwell having completed two engagements following his fall.

"He had not wanted to make a fuss," Whitton added. "It is the kind of job which makes huge demands on anyone. I would not describe it as being stubborn, but as a sense of duty.

"He just wanted to do his best. He was committed whole-heartedly to the job. It was typical of him."

Dewar was taken to hospital after he was examined by Dr Colin Currie, a special adviser to Scottish health minister Susan Beacon, who is medically qualified and who happened to be in the same building.

The first minister underwent a head scan, which found bleeding on the brain, on Tuesday in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was transferred to city's Western Infirmary.

He had been conscious and joking about his condition up to about 7:00 p.m local time (1800 GMT) on Tuesday evening -- unaware of how serious his condition was.

On Tuesday Mr Dewar's official duties were passed to Scottish Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in the Edinburgh Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition administration.

It is the second death to hit Labour's leading Scottish figures during the past few years, following the death of former Labour leader John Smith.

Scottish Executive

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