Brian Adam MSP passes away

Brian Adam MSP passed away on Thursday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He represented the Aberdeen Donside constituency in the Scottish Parliament and was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a member of the Bridge of Don congregation in Aberdeen, Scotland.

"Brian was a faithful and committed member of the Church who, despite the high profile political roles he held over many years, was always true to and open about his beliefs,” said Elder Clifford T. Herbertson, Europe Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Our heart-felt condolences go out to his family and close friends at this sad time."

Elder Stephen Kerr said, "There was never a more decent and honourable public servant in Scotland than Brian Adam. You didn't have to share his political views to readily see that here was the very best of men. He loved his country and he loved people and he cared passionately about them. And in return people respected, admired and loved him. He adored his family. And he loved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Elder Kerr continued: "Brian was always looking out for ways to bring The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the attention of the leaders of our country. He was renowned for his devotion to his faith. He helped introduce the weekly Time for Reflection in the new Scottish Parliament and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was one of the first churches invited to present Time for Reflection."

"Brian also introduced his fellow MSPs from all parties to visiting church authorities such as Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Cecil O. Samuelson was invited to address the parliament as president of Brigham Young University and Brian hosted the Church's Scottish Family Values Award event in the Scottish Parliament itself."

Elder Kerr went on: "Brian was a faithful and dedicated Latter-day Saint. He didn't seek after the applause of the crowd or the limelight. He just did what was right and he did it consistently and people came to know and trust him because of his integrity and his decency."

Brother Adam had a long record of public service: he was a local councillor before being elected to the first Scottish parliament in 1999. He was a member of the Scottish National Party. At the last election he polled 55% of the votes cast in his constituency - a tribute to his local reputation as a public servant.

He held a number of front bench responsibilities in the Scottish Parliament including chief whip of the SNP parliamentary party.

Brother Adam was respected as a man of integrity on all sides of the parliament. Many of those who paid tribute to him in the Scottish Parliament spoke of his personal qualities and of his faith.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said, “Brian was an exceptional MSP and was one of the crucial people who as chief whip sustained the minority government between 2007 to 2011. I was delighted to see him serve as a minister in this parliament. Of course his greatest service was to the people of Aberdeen for a quarter of a century, first as a councillor and then as an MSP. I’m proud to say I’ve known and admired him over that entire period as an outstanding politician, a fine human being and a dear friend.”

The leader of the main opposition party in the Scottish Parliament, Johann Lamont - speaking for the Scottish Labour party - told parliament, "We are deeply saddened by the news that Brian Adam has passed away. I have always recognised in him a man of strong conviction, of decency, of profound faith, a man who cared deeply for his family, his party and his country.”

Kevin Stewart, a friend and fellow Aberdeen MSP, described Brian Adam as “the most honourable, trustworthy gentleman" he had came across.

"Brian's philosophy was based on the principle: never promise anything you can't deliver,” said Stewart. "He avoided the limelight, but, behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly for his constituents, and he never stopped fighting for them, whether or not they had voted for him. It's a very sad day today in the [Holyrood] chamber. People, no matter their political affiliation, respected Brian and he was simply one of the best people I have ever known."

Brian Adam graduated with a BSc and MSc in biochemistry and clinical pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen.

He was an avid follower of Aberdeen FC and attended many of their games during the last fifty years.

Brother Adam, 64, is survived by his wife Dorothy and their five children, Neil, Jamie, Sarah, David and Alan.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in coming days.