Sir William Kerr Fraser

Off to Glasgow this morning for the memorial service for Kerr Fraser. He passed away in September aged 89. Kerr was the senior civil servant in the then Scottish Office before becoming Principal and then Chancellor of Glasgow University.

It was an excellent service with the Chapel Choir, a magnificent organ and some wonderfully crafted tributes, each reflecting on the integrity wisdom and humour of the man. Much of that humour made its way into the speeches.

For me, as a former civil servant, the event had the added emotion of family friendship. I grew up around the corner from the Frasers and we were often in and out of each others’ houses. It was good catching up with the 4 “children” and their respective offspring.

It was also an opportunity to meet up with colleagues from various walks of life.

The courtyard where we last year launched the panel member recruitment campaign was dressed for festivities and makes it to the blip.