All Things Shall Pass

Death of a great Scot

One of our major trade unionists, who went from Labour over to the SNP.

Kenneth Roy

Jimmy Reid

A great Scotsman is dead. The death of Jimmy Reid, trade unionist, journalist and broadcaster, former rector of Glasgow University, one of the great Scottish orators of the 20th century, was announced this morning. He was 78. Jimmy had charisma, intellect, panache, a gift for communication. He lit up any room, and not just because of his fondness for big cigars. He spoke for Scotland in so many ways. He spoke, too, of  Scotland – of the Scots as a race. He represented our finer qualities – our idealism, our commitment to social justice, our concern for the poor. He was the most admirable and
lovable man