Scotland’s first deputy first minister Lord Jim Wallace dies aged 71

Lord Jim Wallace, the first person to serve as Scotland’s deputy first minister, has died at the age of 71 following complications from a medical procedure.

The former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats was undergoing treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Thursday when complications arose. His family confirmed he died shortly afterwards.

His wife, Rosie Wallace, said the family were “very shocked” by his death.

“It was all so sudden,” she said. “He was still incredibly active in a whole host of areas.”

As a mark of respect, flags at the Scottish Parliament are flying at half mast until Friday evening.

Architect of modern Scotland

Wallace was widely regarded as one of the key figures behind Scotland’s modern political settlement following devolution.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole Hamilton described him as “one of the architects of modern Scotland”.

“For me personally, he was a mainstay of support throughout my adult life,” he said. “Even as he went into hospital for the final time, he was still sending me words of advice.”

He added that Wallace was respected across party lines for his integrity, calm judgement, and commitment to liberal values.

Political career

Born in Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, Wallace was educated at Annan Academy before studying at Cambridge and Edinburgh universities. He was called to the bar in 1979, practised mainly in civil law, and became a Queen’s Counsel in 1997.

He was elected MP for Orkney and Shetland in 1983, succeeding Jo Grimond, and held the seat for 18 years.

After becoming leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in 1992, Wallace played a central role in the 1997 devolution referendum. He was also a member of the Scottish Constitutional Convention, which laid the groundwork for the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

When the parliament was established in 1999, Wallace was elected as MSP for Orkney and became deputy first minister, serving in government until 2005.

He stepped down as an MSP in 2007 and was appointed to the House of Lords as Lord Wallace of Tankerness. There, he became a respected voice on constitutional, legal, and Scottish affairs, including serving five years as Advocate General for Scotland.

Tributes from across politics

First Minister John Swinney said he was “profoundly shocked” by Wallace’s death.

“Jim helped shape the very first Scottish Parliament and remained a champion of devolution throughout his life,” he said, adding that he valued a warm personal friendship with him.

Former First Minister Jack McConnell described Wallace as “the best of men”.

“His contribution to securing a Scottish Parliament and being an outstanding deputy first minister will never be matched,” he said.

Another former first minister, Henry McLeish, said Scotland had lost “a great politician and public servant”.

“Nobody disliked Jim,” he said. “He put his heart into everything he did.”

Faith and public service

Wallace was brought up in the Church of Scotland, where his father served as an elder, and faith remained a central part of his life.

He became moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2021.

The current moderator, the Rt Rev Rosie Frew, said she was “shocked and saddened” by his death.

“He served both church and state faithfully and well,” she said.

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Mrs Wallace said her husband had sung in the Dunblane Cathedral choir over the festive period and had been looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.

She added that it brought comfort to know he was surrounded by family when he died, and that the family had recently been together in Scotland over Christmas.

Remembered in Orkney and Shetland

Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, said Wallace had devoted his adult life to public service.

“In politics, having people you can truly depend on is rare,” he said. “Jim was one of those people.”

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur described Wallace as a fierce advocate for island communities, while tributes also came from SNP and Labour candidates in the region, who spoke of his kindness and influence.

In recent years, Wallace remained engaged in political life, providing analysis during the 2024 general election count in Kirkwall and campaigning alongside colleagues.

Reflecting on his first election campaign in Orkney and Shetland, Wallace once said it had been “a great privilege” to represent the Northern Isles, a role he held for nearly two decades.

Lord Wallace is survived by his wife Rosie, their daughters Helen and Clare, and his wider family.