Dewar collection goes on display

Marion and Iain Dewar in the room created to remember their father

A unique collection of books, artefacts and other memorabilia from the life of Donald Dewar has been unveiled in its new home in the Scottish Parliament.

The Dewar Room contains more than 1,000 books collected by Scotland's first first minister.

It was officially opened at a ceremony attended by Mr Dewar's family, friends and fellow politicians on Monday.

The items on display range from antiquarian books to the diary in which he recorded his 16th birthday.

The collection also includes a clock which once belonged to Keir Hardie and original caricatures of Mr Dewar by Daily Record cartoonist Iain Leckie.

The room was opened on the fourth anniversary of Mr Dewar's death.

Donald Dewar was a giant Sam Galbraith

His daughter Marion, 39, said: "Despite the obvious sadness of that for us, we are very happy to be here today with so many of his friends and colleagues in this astonishing building."

She said that the reading room brought together her father's passion for Scottish devolution with his love of books.

"For Dad, the achievement of a Scottish Parliament was a lifelong ambition," she added.

Presiding Officer George Reid told those present that a piece of Mr Dewar would live on in the building down the centuries.

Former health minister Sam Galbraith also paid tribute to the late Labour politician.

Donald Dewar died four years ago

He said: "Isaac Newton said if I can see further than my forefathers, it's because I stand on the shoulders of giants.

"And Donald Dewar was a giant."

Former presiding officer Lord Steel told how Mr Dewar had made him think again over the location of the building.

He had originally favoured a parliament on Calton Hill - but changed his mind when Mr Dewar told him: "Don't you think that after a gap of 300 years, a Scottish Parliament deserves more than a jumble of old buildings?"

Lord Steel said it had become "fashionable" to blame Mr Dewar for the problems experienced by the Holyrood project.

But he added: "I hope all those who did that will now praise him for this building."