Donald Dewar: The Father of Scottish Devolution and His Legacy in Modern Politics
Donald Dewar, often remembered as the "Father of the Nation" in Scotland, played a pivotal role in modern Scottish political history. A man of intellect and principle, Dewar's career spanned over forty years, culminating in his role as Scotland's first First Minister after the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. He was passionate about a devolved Scotland and worked tirelessly to make it a reality, even if the journey had its ups and downs.
Donald Dewar was born on 21 August 1937 in Glasgow, Scotland, into a middle-class family. His early life was marred by the tragic loss of his mother to a brain tumour when he was only ten years old. Raised by his father, Dewar grew up with a sense of resilience and determination. Educated at the prestigious Glasgow Academy, he went on to study law at the University of Glasgow, where he excelled academically and developed an interest in debating and politics. During his university years, he made friends with future Labour Party figures like John Smith, who would later serve as Labour leader. These friendships were formative in his early career and solidified his commitment to Labour values.
Dewar’s political career began in earnest in 1966 when he won a seat in the House of Commons representing Aberdeen South. This was the start of a lifelong commitment to politics. Although he lost his seat in 1970, his dedication never wavered. He went on to become an MP again in 1978, this time representing Glasgow Garscadden, and he would go on to serve Glasgow constituencies for the rest of his life.
Throughout the 1980s, Dewar established himself as a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. He served as the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland during a time when Labour was out of power, fighting against the policies of the Thatcher government. Dewar was known for his firm stance on issues affecting Scotland, and he earned a reputation as a committed and reliable figure within the Labour Party. However, some critics felt his approach could be overly cautious; while he pushed for Scottish causes, others argued that he sometimes hesitated to take bolder, more radical stances that could have accelerated progress toward devolution.
For Dewar, Scottish devolution was not just a political goal but a deeply held belief. He viewed it as a way for Scotland to gain a voice in decisions affecting its people while remaining part of the United Kingdom. His commitment to devolution became even more pronounced after Labour’s historic 1997 election victory, when Tony Blair appointed him as Secretary of State for Scotland. Dewar was the key architect behind the Scotland Act of 1998, which laid the groundwork for the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament.
Dewar's efforts came to fruition in 1999, when the Scottish Parliament was officially reconvened after nearly three centuries of absence. Dewar, who had worked tirelessly to bring about this historic event, famously called it "a new voice in the land." He was appointed Scotland’s first First Minister, a role he took on with characteristic humility and determination. Although his tenure as First Minister was cut short, he established a strong foundation for Scotland’s new governance structure.
Dewar was a man with a reputation for being principled but also slightly austere. His colleagues often described him as "dour" and "gruff," but those close to him recognised his deep sense of humour and kindness. His sometimes distant demeanour did not prevent him from being deeply respected by both political allies and opponents. Dewar's frugality became legendary: he had little interest in the trappings of wealth or power, preferring to focus on his work and the issues that mattered to him.
However, Dewar's somewhat introverted and serious nature also meant he occasionally struggled to connect with the public on an emotional level. In contrast to more charismatic leaders, Dewar’s appeal lay in his quiet dedication and the moral authority he wielded, rather than in any dynamic personality or flair. He embodied a different style of leadership: one built on reliability, thoughtfulness, and a steady hand rather than charisma and charm.
While Dewar is lauded for his role in establishing the Scottish Parliament, his tenure as First Minister was not without its difficulties. The early days of the Scottish Parliament were fraught with challenges, from budget constraints to issues with administration. Dewar faced significant scrutiny over the cost overruns and delays in constructing the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. Originally estimated to cost around £40 million, the final bill reached over £400 million, leading to public outrage and media criticism. Though Dewar was not directly responsible for the escalating costs, he bore the brunt of the backlash, and this issue became a shadow over his time as First Minister.
In addition, Dewar had health problems that affected his ability to work. He underwent heart surgery in 2000, and his health would continue to decline. Just a few months after returning to work, Dewar suffered a brain haemorrhage and passed away on 11 October 2000. His sudden death was a profound shock to Scotland and the wider United Kingdom, with political figures from all sides paying tribute to his legacy and contributions.
Dewar’s vision for the Scottish Parliament was that it would be a forum for constructive debate and genuine engagement with Scotland’s unique needs. He imagined a devolved body that would balance autonomy with unity within the UK. He hoped the Parliament would prioritise social justice, education, and healthcare, areas he believed were essential for a thriving society.
However, the Scottish Parliament has taken on a more contentious and partisan tone in the years since Dewar’s death. While Dewar imagined a parliament that would work collaboratively to improve the lives of Scots, political polarisation has often overshadowed this ideal. The rise of partisan politics and the growing momentum behind independence have shifted the focus of Scottish politics in a way that Dewar did not foresee or advocate for. The independence debate has become a dominant issue, sometimes diverting attention from the social and economic issues Dewar was so passionate about.
While Dewar would no doubt be proud of the Parliament’s accomplishments, particularly in areas like public health and education, he might also be disappointed at how divisive and polarised Scottish politics has become. Dewar’s legacy is one of unity and cooperation within the UK, a vision that sometimes feels at odds with the current state of Scottish politics.
Dewar’s impact on Scottish politics and society is undeniable. He is remembered as a statesman of integrity and vision, and his contributions to devolution remain his greatest legacy. In 2002, a statue of Dewar was unveiled in Glasgow, a tribute to his commitment to the city and its people. To many, this statue serves as a reminder of his lifelong dedication to public service and his deep love for Scotland.
Despite the mixed results of his vision, Dewar’s legacy continues to resonate. He represents a bygone era of politics, one marked by decency, dedication, and a focus on social justice. Although he was not without faults, and his reserved style was not to everyone’s taste, Dewar’s life is a testament to the power of principled leadership.
In conclusion, Donald Dewar’s life and work were marked by a desire to create a fairer, more inclusive Scotland. He was a man who saw politics as a way to serve others and to build a better society. While the Scottish Parliament today may differ from the institution he envisioned, it remains a powerful symbol of his legacy, a place where Scotland can have a voice. Dewar’s influence on Scottish history is profound, and his memory is rightly celebrated as one of the most significant figures in Scotland’s modern political landscape.
