Donald Dewar
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Donald Campbell Dewar was a Scottish statesman and politician who served as the inaugural first minister of Scotland and leader of the Labour Party in Scotland from 1999 until his death in 2000. He previously served as Secretary of State for Scotland from 1997 to 1999. He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Glasgow Anniesland from 1978 to 2000. Dewar was also Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the equivalent seat from 1999 to 2000.
Dewar in 2000
Dewar attended The Glasgow Academy, which at the time, was an all boys independent school in Hillhead.
Dewar (left) with Queen Elizabeth II and Presiding Officer David Steel (right) at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, July 1999
Dewar chairs the first reconvened Scottish Cabinet as First Minister
First Minister of Scotland
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The first minister of Scotland, formally the First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal, is the head of the Scottish Government and the keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. The first minister chairs the Scottish Cabinet and is primarily responsible for the formulation, development, and presentation of the Scottish Government's policies. Additional functions of the first minister include promoting and representing Scotland in an official capacity, at home and abroad.
First Minister of Scotland
First Minister John Swinney taking the oath of office at the Court of Session
Scotland's law officers – the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland
The First Minister becomes a member of the Privy Council upon receiving the Royal Warrant from the monarch