Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Dewar dies after fall

Wednesday 11 October 2000 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Scottish First Minister Donald Dewar has died at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital after the decision was taken to turn off his life support system.

Scottish First Minister Donald Dewar has died at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital after the decision was taken to turn off his life support system.

The decision was taken after he was visited by his son and daughter Ian and Marion. The cause of death was a brain haemorrhage.

David Whitton, Mr Dewar's spokesman said: "I am sure that everyone will agree that this is a sad day for Scotland. Scotland has lost a great man."

Mr Dewar slipped on the pavement yeaterdaywhile going to his official car outside Bute House after a Scottish Executive cabinet meeting. He later complained of feeling unwell and was seen by Colin Currie, a special adviser to Scottish health minister Susan Deacon, who called for an ambulance after conferring with casualty consultant Colin Robertson.

Mr Whitton, said: "What seems to have happened is that in the fall, although he did not bump his head, he may have damaged a blood vessel in his head, as a result of which he suffered bleeding to the head."

The person expected to assume the role of First Minister is Scottish enterprise minister Henry McLeish, followed by Scottish finance minister, Jack McConnell.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in