Ray Michie, Baroness Michie of Gallanach
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Janet Ray Michie, Baroness Michie of Gallanach (4 February 1934 - 6 May 2008) one of four children of Lord Bannerman of Kildonan, the rugby player and Liberal politician, and Lady Bannerman of Kildonan[1].
Michie was elected as Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Argyll and Bute in 1987. She stood down from Parliament at the 2001 General Election, being replaced by Alan Reid. She was made a life peer as Baroness Michie of Gallanach, of Oban in Argyll and Bute, at which time she became the first Peer to pledge the oath of allegiance in Gaelic when being introduced to the Lords.
Ray Michie entered politics and became the vice-Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Party. In June 1987 she was elected to the House of Commons, whilst being the Area Speech Therapist for the Argyll and Clyde Health Board. In 1991 she became Chairperson of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, holding this post until 1993. She served as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Scottish Affairs, being a strong advocate of Home Rule for Scotland and the promotion of and development of Gaelic language. She was a member of An Comunn Gàidhealach, the National Farmers' Union of Scotland and the Scottish Crofters Union and was a participant in the early days of the Scottish Constitutional Convention.
In 1992 Ray Michie became a member of the House of Commons Select Committee on Scottish Affairs. In 1997 she was appointed by the Speaker to the Chairman's Panel. Later she also became a joint Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group on the Whisky Industry.
At different points in her career, she attained the posts of:
- Vice-President of the Royal College of Speech and Language therapists
- Honorary Associate of the National Council of Women of Great Britain
- Honorary President of Clyde Fishermen's Association.
In August 2007 she was appointed to the Scottish Broadcasting Commission established by the Scottish Executive. Before the Commission was able to report Michie died at her home in Oban after receiving treatment for cancer.[2]
Lady Michie lived in Oban and was married to Consultant Physician, Dr Ian, with whom she had three daughters. She attended the Aberdeen High School for Girls, Lansdowne House School, Edinburgh and Edinburgh College of Speech Therapy.
Her death deprives the Liberal Democrat group in the House of Lords of another well regarded member, just two days after the death of Richard Holme.
[edit] References
- ^ Emma Sanderson-Nash, Ray Michie in Brack et al (eds.) Dictionary of Liberal Biography, Politico's 1998
- ^ 'Tireless' Lib Dem stalwart dies, BBC News, May 7 2008
[edit] External links
- Baroness Michie of Gallanach profile at the site of Liberal Democrats(page not found)
- Obituary of Ray Michie by David Steel The Guardian, 9 May 2008
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John Mackay |
Member of Parliament for Argyll and Bute 1987–2001 |
Succeeded by Alan Reid |
