2 weeks Ago
THE Liberal Democrats have celebrated 60 years since their victory in Peebles. The Midlothian & Borders branch of the party marked the event on Sunday, March 23, exactly six decades after the significant by-election in Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles. The celebration took place at the Waterwheel restaurant, located one mile from Selkirk on Yarrow Road, and was chaired by former Scottish Borders Council convener Graeme Garvie OBE.
The highlight of the event was the speech by David Steel, the candidate who won the by-election 60 years ago. Mr Steel said: “There were many highlights [in my career], not least of which was as former president of the Anti-Apartheid Movement welcoming Nelson Mandela to parliament before he was elected President of the new South Africa. “The late Queen made me her Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly and then a Knight of the Thistle.
“But I must end by saying that of all that I achieved in 60 years of politics, the most important thing in my life was representing the Borders in parliament and even when I was party leader, Judy [Steel] together with the late George Mackie, looked after the constituency. “Without her by my side over these 60 years nothing would have been possible.” He added: “The ‘soft rolling hills of the Borders’ remain and always will be my inspiration and anchor in the stormy world of politics.
” After his speech, a toast was offered by his first assistant, Lord (Archy) Kirkwood..
