Donald Dewar's £2m legacy

Donald Dewar was known for his modest lifestyle

The late Scottish First Minister Donald Dewar left more than £2m in his will, it has been reported.

Mr Dewar, who died last October at the age of 63, owned two houses and a flat, as well as an extensive art collection.

The newspaper reports said that Mr Dewar also owned a portfolio of shares worth almost £1m.

And his antique book collection, much of which is being donated to the Scottish Parliament, was valued at more than £30,000.

Mr Dewar's books are being donated to the Scottish Parliament

The Labour politician, who trained as a lawyer and first won a Westminster seat in 1966, was known for his modest and frugal lifestyle.

He preferred to holiday close to home in Scotland and would often rather stay in to read a good book than attend a social function.

He shunned the ministerial car for his beloved Peugeot, and did not own a raincoat until he was caught in a blizzard two years ago.

However, it was reported on Sunday that he had amassed a £2,060,456 fortune in stocks and shares, property, valuable paintings, rare books and personal savings.

His share portfolio encompassed more than 50 companies and was valued at almost £1m.

Three properties

It included a stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland valued at £284,000 in today's prices, along with £37,000 of Marks & Spencers shares and Railtrack shares worth £5,000.

His three properties, two in Glasgow's West End and one in Stirling, were said to be valued at about £550,000.

His collection of Scottish colourist artists was reported to be worth £406,940, while his books were said to be valued at £30,550.

Mr Dewar's entire estate has been left to his children, Iain and Marion.

They have donated his collection of literature to the Scottish Parliament, where it will be the main feature of a reading room dedicated to the late First Minister.