Sir George Reid Hon FCIPR

The CIPR is saddened to hear that Sir George Reid Hon FCIPR has died. 

A former journalist, The Rt Hon Sir George Reid served as Scottish Parliament Deputy Presiding Officer from 1999 to 2003 and then as Presiding Officer from 2003 to 2007. He became an SNP MP in 1974 before losing his seat in 1979. He returned to politics and was elected as an MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region from 1999 to 2003 and then for the Ochil constituency from 2003 to 2007. 

In between his political terms, he worked for the International Red Cross and was knighted in 2012 for services to Scottish politics and public life.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former colleagues at this time.

Jane Cumming FCIPR, who was Chair of the Scottish Committee when he was nominated for his honorary fellowship, said:

“There was never any doubt George Reid should become the first person to be nominated for an honorary fellowship by the Scottish Committee. His outstanding work as Director of Public Affairs for the International Red Cross in Geneva would have been justification for this alone, but we were also keen to acknowledge his contribution to political life in Scotland. His style was to work with others for the greater good and he was always highly regarded across the political spectrum. His speech when accepting the Honorary Fellowship was unforgettable, as he explained his role in producing the footage from Ethiopia which persuaded Bob Geldof to launch Live Aid. An inspirational communicator and a very worthy recipient of this rare honour.”

Jane Cumming FCIPR