SAMH pay tribute to former chair Lord John McCluskey

28th July 2017

SAMH was saddened to hear of the death of Lord John McCluskey, Chairman of the organisation from 1985 – 1994. We send our sympathies and condolences to his family at this sad time.

Lord McCluskey had an enormous influence on SAMH over the 9 years he was Chair. He used his sharp legal mind and his years of experience to increase the effectiveness of our work across Scotland.  At the time there was a great deal of uncertainty with the introduction of the Community Care Act and the Community Charge; changes to Employment Training and Social Security; and the organisation itself experienced exponential growth (both in terms of turnover and size of the organisation) which was transformational.  

Lord McCluskey was a strong advocate for social justice for those affected by mental health problems and resolutely believed in the importance of promoting and raising awareness of good mental health. He firmly believed that the organisation had a duty to use its voice to champion the cause and to influence decision-makers and political leaders.

In his last foreword in our 1994 annual review he said:

“SAMH is in good heart. It is strong, credible, imaginative and resourceful. I am proud to have been part of it. I say thank you for the opportunity SAMH provided me to learn the deeply satisfying values of voluntary work in the community.”

Lord McCluskey was a remarkable ambassador for the cause; a distinguished and indefatigable Chairman and SAMH is indebted to him.