John Watson OBE was hugely-privileged to attend and give the Vote of Thanks at an inspiring and highly-engaging Lecture at The Glasgow Academy from Fergus Ewing MSP.
The second in a series of four, the event formed part of the Donald Dewar Memorial Lecture Series held in The Watson Auditorium.
Easily one of Scotland’s most recognised politicians, Fergus comes from strong political stock. His mother was, of course, Winnie Ewing, the former MP, MSP and Euro MP who sensationally won the 1967 Hamilton Westminster by election which shook the political establishment.
Famously, Fergus’s mother uttered the words on the opening day of the Scottish Parliament: “the Scottish Parliament adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707 is hereby reconvened”.
Fergus is well known for reaching across the political divide and was a close friend of the late First Minister Dewar who died in 2000.
Donald Dewar was a former pupil of The Glasgow Academy and one of the architects of the Scotland Act 1998 which paved the way for the restoration of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
In his Lecture, Fergus paid tribute to his friend and fellow lawyer Donald Dewar praising his enthusiasm and determination to re-establish the Scottish Parliament.
Fergus is no stranger to John Watson and Company Ltd. Around 15 years ago he visited John Watson and Co and officially opened a £2 million “ten colour” bespoke Swiss-made printing press.
Two more Lectures are planned in the series – the third in February from Lord Wallace, the former Deputy First Minister of Scotland and then in the spring from Dame Eleanor Lang MP, currently Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.