Book of Condolences opened for Lord Russell-Johnston

The Highland Council has opened a book of condolences to mark the passing of long-serving Member of Parliament, Lord Russell-Johnston of Minginish, who died in Paris at the weekend aged 75.

The books will be available at the Town House, Inverness, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, and Service Points at Aviemore, Kingussie, Grantown, Nairn, Fort William and Portree for anyone to sign or pay tribute. You can also leave a message on-line which will be included in the book.

Educated at Carbost, Portree and the University of Edinburgh, Lord Russell-Johnston was MP for Inverness between 1964 and 1983 and represented Inverness Nairn and Lochaber from 1983 until 1997.

He was a former leader of the Scottish Liberal Party and former leader and then president of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. He also served as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

He was knighted in 1985 and raised to a life peerage in 1997.

Council Convener Sandy Park said: “Lord Russell-Johnston was a remarkable figure who left an indelible mark in the Highlands. His 33 years in office testify to his effectiveness and popularity in representing Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber.

“He will be sorely missed and our sympathies go out to Lady Joan and their three sons.”