
Russell Findlay remembers 'respected' Tory MSP dead at 75
He went on to join Argyll and Bute Council in 2017, serving as a councillor for Oban South and the Isle until 2022.
Born in London in 1949, Sir Jamie was educated at Cladich Primary School in Argyll and at Eton College.
After graduating from the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland, Sir Jamie worked in finance in London before starting a trout farm in Argyll.
During his time in Holyrood, he served as Scottish Conservatives spokesperson on fisheries, communities, and sport.
Former MSP Sir Jamie McGuire. (Image: Gordon Terris) Scottish Conservative Party leader Russell Findlay told the BBC: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Sir Jamie's death, and on behalf of all Scottish Tories, I would like to send my condolences to his family and friends.
"After being elected to the reconstituted Scottish Parliament in 1999, he stood firm for the interests of the Highlands and Islands for 17 years as a committed MSP.
"He did an excellent job in several frontbench positions, including fisheries, he was very popular and was respected by his colleagues regardless of their politics."
Sir Jamie was remembered by former Conservative colleagues on social media.
Aberdeenshire West and North Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie wrote:
'Very sad to hear of the death of Jamie McGrigor, a lifelong servant to Scotland and the Scottish Tories.
'One of the class of 1999, an MSP through to 2017, and then councillor for Oban until 2022, he was one of the best. Respected on all sides. He will be greatly missed.'
Former Scottish Conservative boss Douglas Ross added: 'Very sorry to hear of the passing of Jamie McGrigor. Jamie was a kind and dedicated MSP who served the Highlands and Islands with real passion and commitment.
'My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.'
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Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser noted: 'Very sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague & Highlands & Islands MSP Jamie McGrigor.
'A passionate voice for his Highland constituents, he was outstanding company and a tremendous character. Jamie, you - and your guitar - will be greatly missed.'
MSP Liz Smith added on Facebook:
'So very sorry to learn of the death of Jamie McGrigor - one of the Scottish Parliament's great characters, passionate ambassador for the Highlands and kind and gracious colleague.'
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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Hilarious moment Donald Trump's golf caddie appears to subtly drop ball in prime spot before he arrives to take shot
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Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Keir Starmer & John Swinney face difficult ‘balancing act' after Donald Trump admits he's in a grumpy mood
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ITV News
4 hours ago
- ITV News
What do locals in Scotland think of Donald Trump?
Donald Trump is on a trip to Scotland, but what do people make of his visit? ITV News' Ben Chapman reports from Turnberry The US President Donald Trump is now halfway through his private visit to Scotland. He is here primarily to play golf and to open his newest course, but he is fitting in meetings with the prime minister, first minister and president of the European Commission. He is famously proud of his Scottish heritage, but what do people here make of this unusual presidential visit? Locals in Girvan, the closest town to Trump's luxury golf resort, had mixed views ahead of his arrival on Friday. One man said: 'There's enough trouble going on in the world at the moment without Donald Trump coming to Scotland to play golf. He's flying thousands of miles for a game of golf. I think his focus should be elsewhere. If anything good comes of it, then great, but I have my doubts.' While a woman said: 'I think it's great that he visits Scotland because his mother is from Scotland and he has invested a lot in Scotland. "He employs a lot of people in the region, and he looks after the places where he is running his business, which is great for this local economy.' "He's just such a controversial figure, and I just don't understand what he's up to. He's just causing chaos and confusion around the whole world," another man said. 'The US government won't be paying for it because it's a private trip, so I think the bill will land at the doorstep of the Scottish people. He should take some of his profits and pay for the expenses.' This mother and daughter had different views on whether Trump's visit was welcome or not. The mother said: 'I don't think it's worth it. Not for a private visit. There will be local disruption, and there is a cost implication as well. I mean, the Americans will obviously pick up some of the security, but there will also be an obligation on Police Scotland. I mean not just to police the visit but also the protests that are going to obviously result over the weekend.' Meanwhile, her daughter said Trump "brings a lot of good things to the community here". "I don't agree with everything that he does politics wise, but I think he's done a lot for the area, and I think, well, good luck to him," she added. On Friday night at Prestwick airport, more than 1,000 people camped out with deck chairs and picnic blankets to catch a glimpse of Air Force One touching down on Scottish soil. Many waited for hours to claim their spot. Surprisingly, there were no obvious protesters. Instead, the crowd was made up of dedicated plane spotters and locals who were excited to have the President of the United States and his plane land in their town. Some wore Make America Great Again caps and carried pro-Trump flags to welcome him. Samuel Ackroyd and James Swan were among those who waited more than eight hours to catch a glimpse of Air Force One. They told ITV News: 'I like Trump, but it's mainly about seeing Air Force One. 'This is a big bucket list item for aviation enthusiasts. Many of us want to see the Boeing 747-200. 'It's a great privilege to see the President of the United States land here.' A mother and her son, who came down from Fife, said: 'We've come down from Fife today to see President coming for the first time. We've never plane spotted in Ayr before but we wanted to be here today for this.' On Saturday morning, Trump was out on the golf course bright and early, but unlike his last visit as president, there were no protesters on the beach next to the Turnberry course. There was just the odd Trump supporter hanging around to try and see him in person. This couple travelled to Ayrshire from Liverpool to show their support. The man said: 'We support MAGA (Make America Great Again) and Trump and what he's doing. We've just made our way down to the golf course to try and catch a glimpse of him. Mainly because it might be the only chance we ever get to see him here. I know he's doing a state visit in London, but that will be all private escorts and everything, so we thought we'd try to see him while we can.' In the afternoon, planned anti-Trump protests took place in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, far from the president's eyes. Many there said they were frustrated and angry that he is being welcomed by our prime minister and first minister, and that he is coming on a private golfing trip that is costing taxpayers here. 'Trump's not welcome in Scotland. He has done too much damage globally. He's a global leader, but he doesn't like one or think like one. And we didn't vote for him here, yet he's here in Scotland today, and we're not happy about it. "He claims Scottish heritage, but he is not from Scotland. He doesn't share our values. We care about people. We care about diversity. Scotland has people in every single country in the world. He's just focusing on making America great. What does that even mean? It doesn't mean anything.' 'He wants to come and see his businesses, then let him pay for the security. Let him pay for the police. He's always bragging about how rich is, even though he didn't release his tax returns. So let him use some of all that money that he's had from all that winning and all those fantastic trade deals. 'He keeps telling everyone he's really wealthy and he's got all this money. Let him pay for it. I see, absolutely no reason why we should pay one penny for that orange walloper.' 'I am an American living here now, and he is just an embarrassment. I don't even want to go back to America right now. This is just a little part I can do because I'm not there. I can still vote, but I can't go to any protest there, so I just want to come out here and support everyone. I feel good that there are other people sharing my sentiment. 'He's like an evil genius. I don't know what it is, but he's Teflon Don. That's his nickname. These people are just kissing the ring because they feel they need to. "And I think once he is gone, whether it's a cheeseburger too many or whatever, I think it'll all go away because I don't think anybody has his level of depravity.' On Monday, Trump is set to meet the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. On Tuesday, he will open his new golf course in Aberdeenshire, which is named after his Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. He is due to leave Scotland on Tuesday afternoon.