ERIC Milligan's apposite tribute to ELIZABETH MAGINNIS (Obituaries, 12 September) was warm, humorous and fitting, coming as it did from one leading former Lothian politician to another who clearly respected each other.
However, there is another aspect of her service which deserves recognition. In my early days as chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, which coincided with the rise to power of Elizabeth Maginnis and Eric Milligan, links between the loca
l authority and the business community were not even poor – they were non-existent. Elizabeth was hugely instrumental in forming a productive partnership between town and trade.
We enjoyed many constructive discussions. We wanted to build meaningful links between education and business and she was the first Lothian politician in a long time to recognise that the products of the education system of which she was so justifiably proud – and the needs of the business community – were interdependent.
I remember one senior Scottish politician telling me how much he respected both Elizabeth and Eric, adding that their efforts would have been impossible without the dedicated support of Michael Maginnis and Janice Milligan, reinforcing the point that dedicated local politicians need the love and encouragement of their nearest and nearest as well as the electorate. Michael's support of Elizabeth was exemplary.
A story which sums up this red, beautiful and vivacious lady describes how she once offered to read my palm and subsequently delivered a funny, eloquent and accurate picture. I asked her how she did it, and she burst out into peals of beautiful laughter – greatly amused by my naivety – and admitted: "I just made it up." What a lovely memory.
Scottish local government benefited hugely from Elizabeth Maginnis's magnificent presence and input. Her likes might never be seen again.
IAN BROWN, Chief executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce (1990-96)May I reinforce Eric Milligan's reference in his moving appreciation of Elizabeth Maginnis to her role in the ambitious school building programme.
Quintessentially an Edinburgh City persona and politician, as convener of Lothian Region Education Committee, she could not have been more generous and unselfish in her involvement in the building programme in particular and education provision in general for West Lothian. Those of primary school and secondary school age at the time, and their teachers, have every reason to be grateful to Councillor Elizabeth Maginnis.
TAM DALYELL The full article contains 392 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
