Motion of Condolence
Our first item of business is one that we would all prefer not to be holding—a motion of condolence, in the name of Alex Salmond, following the death of Brian Adam.
I would like to welcome Brian Adam’s wife, Dorothy, and his family to the gallery as Parliament pays our own tribute to him. Thank you very much for being with us today.
Like many others in the chamber, I treasured Brian Adam both as a friend and as a colleague. Brian was admired across this Parliament because of what lay at his core: he was simply a good and decent man. The private courage and stoicism that Brian showed during his long illness added to the enormous respect that we had for him.
As a member of our original intake into this Parliament in 1999, Brian enjoyed an impressively successful parliamentary career. Always a dedicated MSP to his constituents, Brian also served as a committee convener and deputy convener, chief whip for his party and the Minister for Parliamentary Business. In all those roles, Brian’s greatest contribution was not in the jobs that he did but in the way that he did them—all with honesty, even-handedness and humour.
Since the sad news broke last week, fellow MSPs and staff from across our Parliament have all gone out of their way to tell me their own stories about Brian. He was admired, he was respected, and he was loved. We will all miss him and our Parliament will be the poorer without him.
14:31
It has been my privilege to count Brian Adam as a friend throughout my parliamentary career. When I first stood for election back in 1987, although Brian was a candidate in the neighbouring constituency, he was generous in his help for my campaign. That characteristic as a good neighbour is something that all Brian’s friends and colleagues will recall with great affection. He was a family man, a kind and generous friend and an outstanding politician, and he will be sorely missed.
Brian’s first pride and joy was his family and our sincere condolences go to his wife, Dorothy, and his five children, Neil, Jamie, Sarah, David and Alan, his brother Rodney and his sister Irene and indeed the wider family, all of whom are here today, and of course to his parents James and Isabel.
Brian was proud of his community and his country. Born in Newmill in 1948, Brian grew up in Banffshire and would spend his life in the north-east of Scotland, which he loved dearly.
After getting a BSc and an MSc at the University of Aberdeen in clinical pharmacology, he began work with Glaxo in Montrose before embarking on a career as a biochemist and was later to become principal national health service biochemist at Aberdeen royal infirmary.
Politics was a very early interest for Brian. He was a trade union activist and a champion for his local community. It was perhaps inevitable that he would stand for election. Between 1988 and 1999 he served as a councillor on Aberdeen District Council, which was later to become Aberdeen City Council.
Brian was a trailblazer for the Scottish National Party in the north-east. When he was elected in 1988, he was the sole SNP councillor—a one-person group—a position that he later told me demonstrated the crucial importance of a group leader staying on good terms with his chief whip.
Brian was devoted to his home community and there is no doubt that his constituents were just as fond of him. One area of Brian’s Middlefield and Heathryfold council ward is Logie. Such was the support for Brian at election time that almost every window would have a dayglo yellow SNP poster in the window, earning it the nickname “Dayglogie” among SNP activists.
On one occasion when canvassing in Middlefield, Brian’s campaign team lost him. They retraced their steps to the door that he had been chapping and inside found him tucking into a plate of food, having been invited in for his tea. That was not universally appreciated by the campaign team, but the point of the story of course is that Brian’s constituents did not see him just as a politician who was distant from them, but as a friend whom they could invite into their home.
Following his election as an MSP in 1999, Brian devoted his energy to championing the cause of Aberdeen in the Parliament. No issue was too large or too small; he was a tireless campaigner. He played a central role in the campaign to retain neural surgery and children’s specialist services at Aberdeen royal infirmary. Similarly, he was instrumental in the reversal of plans to close the forensic laboratory in the city.
Brian made his maiden speech in the Parliament during a debate on prayers. He was a man of great faith and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He argued in his speech that Parliament should hold what was to become time for reflection on an inclusive, non-denominational basis, something that we have done and which reflects well in the Parliament. That consensual approach was one of Brian’s greatest political assets and, as SNP chief whip, it was a priceless resource in sustaining the minority Government between 2007 and 2011.
That said, things did not always go according to plan. Bruce Crawford reminded me of a key division in May 2010 when Brian, after herculean efforts, managed to get John Swinney back from London with literally seconds to spare before a vote. Unfortunately and through no fault of Brian’s, we still lost the vote, because two Opposition MSPs—who will remain nameless, but are here today—accidentally misled each other into voting the wrong way, which shows that the best-laid schemes, even of chief whips, gang aft agley.
My colleagues and I were privileged to have Brian’s skill in those uncertain days for a minority Government. In 2011, I was really delighted to ask him to serve as Minister for Parliamentary Business as part of the majority Government that he had worked so hard to secure.
Brian was, of course, a Scottish nationalist; he believed passionately in Scotland and in the Scottish people. When I visited him at home just three months ago, he wanted to hear about events here at Holyrood. Despite his rapidly failing health, he told me that he would be coming back to Parliament. In a most remarkable demonstration of willpower, he did exactly that the following Thursday. As it turned out, that was to say farewell.
Brian was a great source of support for new members. There is one piece of advice that many colleagues will have heard him offer many times. He would say, “Only ever promise to do your best.” I know that this chamber will agree that Brian always did his best and that every one of us is in his debt.
It is with great sadness, but great pride, that I move the motion of condolence for the Parliament,
That the Parliament expresses its deep regret and sadness at the death of Brian Adam MSP; offers its sympathy and condolences to Brian’s family and friends, and recognises the significant contribution that he made to Scotland’s public and political life through his years of dedicated service in the Scottish Parliament and as a champion of Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland.
14:37
This is a sad day. It is a privilege to pay tribute to Brian Adam on behalf of Scottish Labour.
We gather to remember Brian and to pay our respects to him. Our thoughts today are with his family, who must feel most sorely the loss of a beloved husband, son and loving father. Since his illness, Brian’s courage and strength of character in overcoming the challenges that his condition brought and continuing his work in the Parliament, speaking in debates while he could and contributing to the politics of Scotland, have been a source of admiration, inspiration and respect from us all. His bravery was evident as he faced up to an illness that saw a proud man fade before our eyes, its cruelty all too visible. We should honour and celebrate that courage.
I want, too, to remember not just the hard battle that Brian had in recent years, but to reflect a little on his role and contribution to the work of the Parliament since he first became an MSP. Brian was, as I was, part of the class of 1999. That was a hugely exciting time; we were present at the birth of a new institution created to bring power closer to people. However, for those of us who remember it, it was also a turbulent time, when we felt, on occasion, as though we were under siege. A bond was forged between us that—despite our political differences—lingers even now. Brian was, of course, very much part of that group and that time.
I remember Brian as a key SNP figure, strong in his views, articulate in making his case and someone we recognised as having real authority on his own side. Brian and I crossed swords many times—and those exchanges were often robust—when we served on committee together. Some more uncharitable observers might suggest that we fought like ferrets in a sack, but I believe that, while Brian was passionate and persistent in his views, those views were expressed without animus towards those with whom he disagreed. I never found him to be anything other than courteous.
I am sure that Labour members who worked with Brian will recognise, as I do, that although we often disagreed with his argument, we could respect the toughness and energy with which he prosecuted his case. Equally, where there could be agreement, he worked constructively to make cross-party consensus effective. I know that he shared the passion of many members to tackle homelessness and create warm and affordable homes for those who need them, and that he worked where he could to build support on those issues.
Brian will be missed as a parliamentarian. I know that many SNP members mourn him as a colleague and a dear friend, and our thoughts are with them today. However, ultimately, in remembering Brian, I reflect on this: he never seemed to me to be only a politician. Being a politician did not define him. No one could be in any doubt about his commitment to his party and his loyalty to its cause, but he also loved his land and the language and culture of north-east Scotland. He was proud not just of all things Scottish; he was proud, too, of the distinctive heritage of his own background.
Even more than that, we were always aware of the importance of Brian’s family and his faith to him. In all things, he seemed to me to put the job of politician in its proper place and its proper context. What he did here mattered to him, but it was evident to all that his family and faith mattered even more. That should be part of his legacy.
We offer our sincerest sympathies to Brian’s family, colleagues and friends. He was taken from them all too soon, having suffered more in his last years than we can even begin to imagine. We hope that they can draw strength in these bleakest and rawest of times from the affection and admiration that he earned beyond his own party and the recognition that his was a good life, lived in the service of others.
14:42
I said last week in the chamber on hearing of Brian Adam’s death that those outside Holyrood too often see only the clash and confrontation here; they do not see the camaraderie. They do not see the respect that is fostered and the friendships that exist between MSPs of different parties, or that a person can spend a lifetime fighting for something that someone else will spend a lifetime fighting against, but still recognise their conviction, truly held belief, honesty and principle.
Brian had friends on every side of the chamber and was as decent, diligent and principled a member of the Parliament as we have seen. He believed in service, and he loved representing the people of Aberdeen.
Before the debate, I talked to my colleague Nanette Milne, who served with Brian on Aberdeen City Council before they made their respective ways to Holyrood. She said that, during much of his time there, he ploughed a pretty lonely furrow as the SNP’s only representative, but she recalls the unfailing diligence with which he represented his constituents and his party. He took a keen interest in the financial management of the council, and every year, without fail, he would produce a full set of budget proposals, knowing that they would never see the light of day. He did that anyway because it was the right thing to do.
Brian’s move from Aberdeen City Council to Holyrood in 1999 was an obvious one. He helped to grow the SNP council group from just one member in 1988 to 15. It would be fair to say that the SNP’s rise in Aberdeen and the wider north-east was in no small measure down to Brian Adam’s efforts and his example.
Nanette Milne and other MSPs knew Brian for decades, and often caught up with him in conversations on the train back to Aberdeen. I never had that privilege. I came to the Parliament as a new member in 2011. Brian always had a soft word for me, a bit of encouragement to offer, a chat in the lift and a comment in the corridor. That time taken and that generosity of spirit were not reserved just for new members, whatever their party.
Brian believed in democracy, and in others benefiting from being part of it and seeing it up close. That is why he instigated one of the Scottish Parliament’s regular internship programmes with Brigham Young University in the United States. Although MSPs across the chamber have hosted college interns, I have a sneaking suspicion that hundreds of young American graduates have a bit of a soft spot for the Scottish National Party because of the influence of Brian Adam.
Possibly Brian’s most significant achievement in this place was in his role as chief whip during the SNP minority Government of 2007 to 2011. Few people thought that such an arrangement could last, and it was largely down to Brian’s exceptional abilities that it did. My colleague and his opposite number, our chief whip at the time, David McLetchie, appreciated Brian’s honesty and square dealing. Their trust in the other’s integrity and their ability to do business helped them to navigate those uncharted waters successfully.
I do not think that there is anyone in the chamber who was not struck by the courage that Brian showed when facing his illness. Knowing the full extent of it, but not speaking to more than a few close confidants, he carried himself with optimism and resolve to continue to do good service. Serve he did, right to the end.
Brian Adam’s death has robbed the Parliament of one of its key figures. It has robbed the city of Aberdeen of one of its proudest servants. It has robbed his family and friends of a thoroughly decent man.
While the greatest pain at this time will undoubtedly be for Brian’s family and close friends, they should be proud and they should take strength from the knowledge that he was an outstanding servant to his city, his party and his values. It is to them that I extend my thoughts and prayers, and those of my party, at this most difficult time.
14:46
Brian Adam made a bit of a habit of bucking the trend, of being ahead of the pack and of making a difference. He did it his way, and he certainly made a difference.
It is not common for scientists to cross into politics, and there are not many in the Parliament today, but Brian bucked the trend—he was one of those scientists. He was a proud one, too, with qualifications in biochemistry and clinical pharmacology, which led him from the University of Aberdeen to Glaxo in Montrose, and on to City hospital in Aberdeen.
Brian and I first met when he provided me with great assistance in establishing an annual event for scientists to come together and have dialogue with politicians at Our Dynamic Earth. He was always willing to help and was always keen to stand up for science.
Brian also bucked the trend in elections. I am an election geek, and I like looking at numbers. Let us consider the results for Aberdeen North in 2003. I know well that parties go through ups and downs, and the Scottish National Party was on a wee bit of a down at that time, but Brian managed to secure a win from Labour. He transferred that result—a majority of 500—to a majority of 7,000 in subsequent elections. In every successive election, he increased his majority. That told me that he was respected and valued by local people. Brian won against the odds at that time.
Brian was a true champion for the north-east, and local people respected and valued him there. We also respected and valued him here. Together with Bruce Crawford, Brian skilfully piloted his party through minority administration. That had never been done before in this Parliament, and it is rarely done in other Parliaments—it often leads to chaos. Here, however, it was very calm, in part due to Brian’s skill and determination. He made a success of it, and he did so in his own gentle but firm characteristic way. He was quite a man; he was quite a character.
I am sure that bucking trends was quite tiring, but what impressed me most throughout was that he managed to remain a good and decent man, a man of whom his family and friends will forever be proud. In the worlds of science, elections and Parliament and, most of all, at home, Brian was valued and appreciated.
We need more people like Brian in politics—trusted, respected and good. He was a member whom the Parliament will remember for a very long time, long after he is gone. Brian Adam: a good man who bucked the trend.
14:49
I extend my condolences and those of the Scottish Green Party, and those of my colleagues in the Green and Independent group, to the family and friends of Brian Adam MSP.
A moment like this stands apart from the everyday banter, heckling and jockeying for position that characterises a great deal of our parliamentary debate. When one of our members—someone we knew and worked with—passes away, it is a moment to reflect on the true realities of life and the common humanity that unites us.
Presiding Officer, I cannot pretend that I knew Brian Adam as well as you, other SNP colleagues or those representing the north-east did. I never served on a committee or cross-party group with him. We never even propped up the bar together—more to do with his habits than mine, I freely admit.
I contacted my former colleagues to ask for their thoughts, including Robin Harper, who was elected back in 1999 and therefore knew Brian Adam the longest. Every reply that I received from my former colleagues included descriptions of Brian such as “helpful”, “considerate”, “warm”, “friendly” and “approachable”. They also described him as “straightforward”, “businesslike” and “a dedicated parliamentarian”. Shiona Baird, who was our member for North East Scotland, wanted to express her thanks for all the lifts that Brian Adam gave her back to the railway station—one of those little forbearances that I know colleagues from all political parties have had to endure from time to time with Green Party members. We have always been grateful and I know that Shiona Baird was grateful to Brian Adam.
My dealings with Brian Adam were largely restricted to his role as SNP whip, particularly in session 3, during all those exciting, knife-edge votes that I know we all miss so much. There were times when our political positions aligned and, as Brian sidled up to me in the minutes before decision time in the chamber, I was able to give a reassuring nod and send him away with his blood pressure just a tiny bit lower.
There were other occasions when Brian would approach with a hint of worry in his eye. More than once, I had to send him away shaking his head, his worst fears confirmed. Although that must have been a trying role, I was never left in any doubt that he took this Parliament seriously and that he was committed to keeping all parties in the loop as much as he could, even on days when his nerves were a bit calmer and the votes were thought to be in the bag already.
I thank him for that and express appreciation that Parliament has had the chance collectively to let Brian Adam’s family, friends and colleagues know something of the regard in which he was held.
14:52
Meeting suspended.
15:00 On resuming—