Chancellor, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
Greetings,
You may have seen the beautiful tribute the Principal paid earlier today to our Chancellor, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, whose death has been announced.
Although I was not part of the University at that time, I attended Menzies Campbell’s installation as Chancellor in 2006, which was a grand, colourful ceremony. I had met him before, at Sea Queen Day in St Monans, which as the local MP he loved. After I joined the University as Chaplain in 2011. I came to know him on the days he was on duty at Graduation ceremonies, when he always came to the Chapel service beforehand, following the mace, and taking the Chancellor’s seat. He loved singing hymns, and had particular favourites, often recalled from his youth. It is revealing that when his portrait was painted by Anne Mackintosh for the University, he chose the interior of St Salvator’s Chapel as the setting. He would chair Graduation dinners with aplomb, delighted with the playing of the bagpipes by the Chancellor’s Piper. He would always say to the piper, “Will ye tak a dram?”
I remember him also convening the General Council with kindness and sympathy, and also speaking in a University Debating Society debate on Scottish independence. On that occasion, his rhetorical skills, honed in court-room and Commons, were much in evidence, contributing that night, I am sure, to a resounding victory for the unionist side.
In latter years I came to know him better when his beloved wife Elspeth died, and he asked me to conduct her funeral and memorial service. He enjoyed a visit, in which his memories would come to the fore, of political campaigns and intrigues, of debates in the Commons and Lords, and of the characters who make up Westminster.
His was a life of service to the public good, of charm and warmth, wisdom and perseverance. Words the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy seem to encapsulate this Olympic athlete, politician, public servant and Chancellor of our University: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Prayers will be said for him and all affected by his death in the St Salvator’s Chapel services this Sunday 28 September, at 11 am and in Evensong at 5.30 pm. Along with so many others, I give thanks to God for his life.
Yours,
Donald