Death of local politician 25/7/08
Prominent Western Isles politician Angus Graham died this morning (Fri) aged 60 years.
Mr Graham from Back, Lewis, who had been ill with cancer for some time left the local authority in May 2007 after serving as a local councillor for about 24 years. He came onto the council in 1983 following a by-election in the Gress ward.
He was vice-convenor for a period as well as transport and development chief.
He was born in Govan, Glasgow, but spent the second part of his childhood with his grandparents on Lewis after his mother died when he was young.
Few ever realised that the articulate speaker never had Gaelic from birth.
During his varied career, he was a Harris Tweed weaver, fisherman, worked at oil rig yards and camps at Kishorn, Shetland, and Arnish on Lewis. He was involved in the crofters’ union and helped ensure the survival of an abattoir and auction mart for Lewis and Harris
He was an working crofter and a staunch Labour party activist and a formidable politician who fearlessly challenged social wrongs.
He played a very live role in returning Labour representatives, former MP Calum Macdonald and former MSP Alasdair Morrison, to the islands after a long run of SNP dominance.
Mt Graham relentlessly championed the cause of crofting, fishing and indigenous industries and fought against school closures.
Latterly, with colleague Angus McCormack, he successfully campaigned against the controversial management regime at the isles’ health board which forced the Scottish Government to intervene and saw the departure of top bosses.
Labour’s isles’ candidate for the next election Donald John Macsween paid warm tribute to his personal friend and colleague.
He said: “The Highlands and Islands have lost a great political champion. Angus was a tenacious campaigner and one who was never afraid to stand up for what he thought was right.
“I have lost a great friend and political mentor. I am sure that the heartfelt condolences of the community are with his wife Isobel, sons Michael and Alasdair and daughter Avril and to all the grandchildren who he loved and adored.”
Western isles Council convenor Alex Macdonald said: “Angus’ death fills me with sadness. He was a superb, intelligent, fearless politician and a magnificent debater who brought real presence to the Chamber. He would happily debate with anyone – be they Government Minister, Chair of some quango or top civil servant – and he usually won the argument.
“Angus worked tirelessly on behalf of his ward and for the people throughout the Western Isles. He was a champion of the underdog, campaigning relentlessly for, amongst others, the crofting community.
“He was central in the establishment of the Auction Mart at Steinish and a key figure in Heather Isle Meats. The role of Chair of the Low Pay Unit was close to Angus’ heart and he worked vigorously on the organisation’s behalf.
“On behalf of all those at the Comhairle, Officers and Members, our sympathies are extended to Angus’ family.
Mr Macdonald added: “On a personal level, Angus was a close colleague and friend for over 20 years and I will miss him greatly.”
The flag is flying at half mast at Council offices in Stornoway as a tribute.
Mr Graham leaves a wife and three adult children.
