LIKE many others I was saddened by the news of the untimely passing of Sir Alex Fergusson, and following on from your article (Service for former presiding officer, August 18), perhaps I can add my two-pennyworth.
I first encountered Sir Alex over 20 years ago, when an early Scottish Government decided to cancel an agricultural scheme which it had set up for hill farmers. This was going to severely disadvantage a considerable number of us in the industry who had signed up to take part.
Sir Alex took on my case against the government and he guided and advised me throughout until the EU declared in our favour, and the government had to back down.
I had gone to him because of his background in farming, not because of his politics, which were different from mine. I can honestly say that he was a joy to work with and at all times displayed efficiency, integrity, decency and care for others in full measure. Sadly many of his successors in politics today fall very short indeed of the standards which he set, and which were widely adhered to by the huge majority of MPs and MSPs of that generation.
George M Mitchell
Dunblane
READ MORE: Memorial service held for former presiding officer Alex Fergusson
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